Effect of sowing time, seed rate and harvesting duration on quality of Ashwagandha Withania somnifera

Abstract

The experiment was carried out at Herbal garden, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during the 2009-10. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Block Design with factorial concept comprising a total of 18 treatments replicated thrice with two sowing dates (August 15th and August 30th), three seed rates (10 kg/ha, 12 kg/ha and 14 kg/ha) and three harvesting durations (150 DAS, 180 DAS and 210 DAS). The data indicated that fresh root yield (13.91 q/ha) and dry root yield (3.38 q/ha) were maximum in August 15th sown crop when compared to August 30th crop. Among the harvesting durations, H3 (210 DAS) recorded maximum fresh root yield (13.48 q/ha) and dry root yield (3.12 q/ha). Among the three way interactions, maximum fresh root yield (15.63 q/ha) and dry root yield (4.40 q/ha) were recorded with August15th sown crop with a seed rate of 12 kg/ha and harvesting duration of 210 DAS (D1S2H3). There was significant difference in starch content due to dates of sowing. Significantly maximum starch content (11.81%) was recorded in D2 (August 30th) followed by D1 (August 15th) recording 11.64%. Reducing sugars were reported to be maximum (2.89%) in August 30th sown crop when compared to August 15th crop. Among the seed rates, S1 (10 kg/ha) recorded maximum reducing sugars (3.26%). Among the harvesting durations, H3 (210 DAS) recorded maximum reducing sugars (3.25%). Maximum non- reducing sugars (7.70%) was recorded in August 30th sown crop when compared to August 15th crop. Among the harvesting durations, H3 (210 DAS) recorded maximum non reducing sugars (7.70%). Among the three way interactions, maximum non reducing sugars (7.78%) was recorded with August 30th sown crop with a seed rate of 12 kg/ha and harvesting duration of 210 DAS (D2S2H3).