Effect of various methods of sowing on growth parameters and biochemical traits of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal)

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Effect of various methods of sowing on growth parameters and biochemical traits of Ashwagandha. (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal).” was carried out at Research Cum Instructional Farm, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, during rabi season of 2017-2018. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The whole treatments were divided into main plot i.e. flat bed, ridge and furrow method and sub plot i.e. control, FYM @ 10 t ha-1, FYM @ 15 t ha-1, Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1, Vermicompost @ 7.5 t ha-1, Castor cake @ 1.5 t ha-1, Castor cake @ 2.5 t ha-1, RDF(NPK @ 40:60:20 kg ha-1). Ashwagandha variety GAA-1 was sown on 30th October 2017 and harvested on 05th June 2018. Observations regarding growth parameters and bio-chemical traits of ashwagandha plant. based on different sowing methods, maximum plant height (cm), number of leaves plant-1, number of primary branches plant-1, number of secondary branches plant-1, chlorophyll content (SPAD) value and protein content were recorded maximum with ridge and furrow sowing method as compared to flatbed sowing method while based on application of organic source of nutrients, maximum plant height (cm), number of leaves plant-1, number of primary branches plant-1, number of secondary branches plant-1, chlorophyll content (SPAD) value and protein content were recorded with application of FYM @ 15 t ha-1 as compared to other organic source of nutrient and their levels for ashwagandha crop. Ridge and furrow sowing method with FYM @ 15 t ha-1 gave best results in terms of all growth parameters and biochemical traits of ashwagandha.