Seed germination and storage studies in Decalepis hamiltonii Wight and Arn.: A threatened medicinal plant

Abstract

Decalepis hamitonii Wight and Arn. is an important RET medicinal climber which is over exploited from its natural habitat for its high valued roots. The roots are extensively used in folk and Ayurvedic medicines mainly as blood purifier and hepatoprotective compound due to the presence of 2-hydroxyl-4-methoxy benzaldehyde (HMB). The work on propagation and storage of seeds in this plant species is meagre for extending the cultivation and conservation. Therefore, the present study was taken up. The two factorial experiment was conducted on the effect of media (top paper, between paper and cocopeat) and temperature (20/30°C, 20°C, 30°C) on seed germination. Results revealed that the seeds placed at 20/30°C, tested on between paper method has recorded maximum germination percentage (96.00%), root length (6.48 cm) and seedling vigour index (955.77). Whereas, shoot length (10.40 cm), seedling length (16.14 cm), fresh (91.16 mg) and dry weight (8.76 mg) of seedling was maximum in the seeds placed at 30°C temperature sown in cocopeat. No germination was recorded when the seeds were placed at 20°C temperature sown in cocopeat. In an another experiment comprising of three factorial storage study on effect of moisture content (8% and 6%), packaging material (aluminium pouch, polythene cover and butter paper cover) and storage temperature (ambient temperature and 15°C) revealed that the seeds having 8% moisture packed in polythene cover and stored at 15°C recorded maximum shoot length, seedling length and seedling vigour index I of 7.57 cm, 14.70 cm and 1373, respectively. Shoot was not grown and minimum seedling length and seedling vigour index I of 3.60 cm and 172, respectively was recorded in the seeds having 6 per cent moisture, packed in butter paper bag and stored at 15°C up to 90 days of storage. Therefore, seeds kept for germination on between paper and placed at 20/30°C recorded germination. Whereas, seeds having 8% moisture, stored at 15°C packed with polythene and aluminium pouch was found better for maintaining viability and vigour up to 90 days of storage.