Standardization of method of sowing and organic farming practices for Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal)

Abstract

Ashwagandha (W. somnifera, Apocynaceae) are becoming popular as commonly used medicinal plants. The steroidal lactones (withanolides) obtained from its roots have been implicated in a wide range of therapeutic activities and maintaining general health. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications, having two treatments in main plot (Flat sowing and ridge and furrow sowing)and eight treatments(Control, FYM @10 t ha-1,FYM @15 t ha-1 Vermicompost @5 t ha-1Vermicompost @7.5 t ha-1,Castor cake@ 1.5 t ha-1,Castor cake@ 2.5 t ha-1 RDF through inorganic fertilizers @60:40:40 kgha-1NPK) in sub plot. The treatments consists sixteen combinations of different sowing methods and organic sources of nutrient. .Maximum mean plant height (65.46cm), plant biomass (59.16 q ha-1) and dry root yield (10.06 qha-1) were found with application of [email protected] t ha-1 which was superior overapplication of [email protected] t ha-1 and other treatments. The highestmean net return (Rs. 64684 ha-1) was found with application of FYM@15 t ha-1. The interaction effect between method of sowing and organic manure was influenced on dry root yield.