Seed germination and growth performance of Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss ex Schult

Abstract

The present investigation emphasizes the significance and conservation values of an important medicinal plant Aerva javanica for sustainable utilization and urban landscaping in Arabian Desert. Seeds of A. javanica germinated well under laboratory as well as nursery conditions, indicating their little dormancy. Germination percentage was significantly higher under darkness as compared to light at lower temperature (15/25°C). Despite the seeds attained highest germination percentage (81%) in the darkness at the low temperature, it was significantly less at high temperatures (34%) in the darkness. However, under the nursery condition seeds attained significantly higher germination (60.25%) compared to seed germinated in dark condition at higher temperature (25/35°C) and seed germinated in light condition at lower temperature (15/25°C). Germinated seedlings in nursery condition were grown and ten healthy plants were selected randomly for measuring growth performance (hight and spread) and survival percentage in every alternative month (January, March, May, July, September, and November). A. javanica plants showed vigorous growth (71.4±49.41cm height and 75.5±52.65cm spread) with a survival rate of 70% after one year. Results indicated that A. javanica is suitable for sustainable landscaping in desert climate due to its characteristic features, Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) criteria measures i.e. drought resistance, low water requirement, growth performance, survival rate, and their multipurpose use value.