Studies on seed germination in kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.).

摘要

This study aimed to standardize the procedure for the evaluation of germination and vigour of true seeds and to identify suitable treatments for improving germination in kalmegh (A. paniculata). Kalmegh seeds collected from Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India were used for the study. There were 27 treatments, consisting of thiourea (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0%), KCl (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%), KNO3 (0.5 and 1.0%), KH2PO4 (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0%), IAA (250 and 500 ppm) and GA3 (100, 250 and 500 ppm) as seed soaking treatments (3 h), commercial H2SO4 (3 min), hot water soaking (50 degrees C for 5 min), water soaking (12 h), leaching (12 h), sand scarification (5 min) and control. Observations were recorded for number of days for germination initiation, number of days required for the first count, germination percentage, root length, shoot length, dry matter production and vigour index. The results revealed that the final count of germination could be taken on the 18th day. Hot water treatment at 50 degrees C for 5 min recorded the highest germination percentage (84%), dry matter production (18.70 mg/10 seedlings) and vigour index (540). This treatment is eco-friendly and cheaper than the other seed treatments..