Characterization of seed micro-morphometry and optimization of germination assay conditions of Bergenia ciliata - a highly valued medicinal plant

Abstract

Bergenia ciliata, a valuable medicinal perennial herb, belongs to the family Saxifragaceae. It bears very minute seeds which exhibit poor viability, germination potential and storability. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the seed characters and germination biology of this medicinal herb. The study revealed that seeds were irregular shaped and dark brown coloured with average length ∼0.93 mm and width ∼0.31 mm. Test weight of seeds ranged between 42.6 and 56.4 mg, and moisture content varied from 7.05 to 10.46%. To standardize the conditions required for germination, the experiment was conducted under different regimes of temperature either in the light or in the dark. Results revealed that mean germination time was shortest and germination percentage highest (94%) when seeds were incubated at 20 °C with light. Seed imbibition pattern was studied at 24 h intervals starting from day zero, and it was found that changes in seed dimensions were small during the first 24 h but were greatest between 24 and 48 h. The experiment also revealed that average length of 8-day old seedling was 4.71 mm whereas it was 5.92 mm with better proportion of root length in 10-day old seedlings.