Studies on seed source variation and seedling vigour in Aconitum heterophyllum Wall.

Abstract

Ex situ cultivation has been recommended as a conservation strategy in Aconitum heterophyllum (Ranunculaceae), endemic and critically endangered medicinal plant species in the Himalayas, Although sporadic reports of the species being capable of vegetative propagation are known, seeds are commonly used for cultivation as well as to produce large number of plants inexpensively. Present studies have demonstrated that seed source variation with regard to mean daily germination, peak value, germination value, germination percentage, germination energy index, mean germination time and speed of germination is prevalent in this species that can be exploited for getting good quality planting material. One wild and another domesticated population has been identif ied with maximum germination percentage as well as better seedlings.