Effect of Different Vermiwash Sources on Germination and Seedling Growth of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Abstract

Physiological process of germination depends on several factors such as temperature, water potential, light and nutrients. A laboratory study was carried out to asses, the effect of different Vermiwash sources on germination and seedling growth of fenugreek. A factorial design was used with four replications. Treatments were factorial of different Vermiwash (water as a control=W0, Vermicompost extract of wheat straw=W1, horse manure=W2, sheep manure=W3, 25% straw + 75% horse manure =W4, 25% straw + 75% sheep manure =W5, 50% straw + 50% horse manure =W6, 50% straw + 50% sheep manure =W7, 25% alfalfa residue + 75% sheep manure =W8, 50% alfalfa residue + 50% sheep manure =W9, 25% chicken manure + 75% straw manure =W10) and two levels of Vermiwash concentration (20% and 40%). Results showed that germination rate was significantly affected by all treatments. The maximum germination rate was observed at concentration of 40 percent of vermiwash with 25% alfalfa residue + 75% sheep manure. The maximum percentage of germination was obtained in 20 percent of vermiwash with sheep manure treatment and concentration of 40% in wheat straw. A significant difference was observed through treatments at 1% level in root length. In addition, root dry weight differed significantly among treatments at the 5% level. Also, a significant increasing was considered in root length by increasing the concentration of vermiwash.