Effect of plant growth regulators and chemicals on seed germination and seedling growth of swollen root (Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn.)

Abstract

A one year research was conducted during 2019-2020 as a part of fulfillment of post graduate degree on “Effect of plant growth regulators and chemicals on seed germination and seedling growth of swollen root (Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn.)” at Dr. Y.S.R Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Among the treatments studied, pre sowing seed soaking with H2O2 @ 0.3% for 8 h recorded maximum values for germination percentage (30.50), survival percentage (99.60), seedling growth parameters viz., fresh weight of seedling (0.661g, 3.35 g), dry weight of seedling (0.181 g, 0.920 g), chlorophyll content (45.99 SPAD, 32.87 SPAD), vigour index I (192.15 cm, 234.85 cm), vigour index II (20.11 g, 102.53 g), root length (6.20 cm, 6.90 cm), fresh weight of root (0.256 g, 2.15 g) and dry weight of root (0.161 g, 0.461 g) at 25 and 50 days after germination respectively. Significantly highest seedling height (7.97 cm, 9.10 cm), number of leaves (7.60, 9.30) and absolute growth rate (0.320 cm, 0.360 cm) at 25 and 50 days after germination respectively was recorded with seed soaking in GA3 @ 1000 ppm for 24 h.