Effect of Vermicompost extracts on in-vitro germination and growth of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Abstract

Seed germination in Withania somnifera is low and erratic under natural conditions therefore in the present study we pre-soaked the seeds of W. somnifera for 12h in Vermicompost leachate (aerated and non aerated), Vermicompost tea (aerated and non aerated) and distilled water (DW). Treated seeds were germinated in vitro on filter papers moistened with respective pre-soaking treatments. Results indicated that seeds treated with Vcom-Ta resulted in highest germination (70%) and biomass/seedling (0.42g). Seed germination and biomass/seedling in different treatments was Vcom-Ta > Vcom-Tna > Vcom-Lna > Vcom-La > DW. Carbon content was significantly increased in Vcom-Lna, Vcom-La and Vcom-Ta treatments as compared to control. Nitrogen content was maximum in Vcom-Ta seedlings but there was a non significant difference between control, Vcom-Ta and Vcom-Lna. We observed more root hair proliferation in Vcom-Lna and Vcom-Ta treated seedlings. Therefore, the use of such organic treatments can be extended to cultivate W. somnifera under natural conditions.