Role of plant growth hormones on economic yield, andrographolide and active ingredient content in Kalmegh (Andrographis peniculata Burn F. Ex)

Abstract

Kalmegh is known as green Chiretta or King of bitters. Investigations undertaken aiming to increase the growth and yield traits and biochemical constitute of Kalmegh. The investigations were carried out at the Farmer field, Village Badiyakhedi, District Sehore, (Madhya Pradesh) during Kharif season 2015-16 to study the influence of plant growth hormones viz., Cycocel (100, 150 and 200ppm), GA3 (100, 150 and 200ppm), NAA (100, 150ppm) and control (water sprayed) at different concentrations on morpho-physiological traits and economic yield of Kalmegh (Andrographis peniculata Burn F. Ex) exhibited maximum plant height, number of branches, fresh weight of leaves, dry weight of leaves, fresh weight of plant, dry weight of plant, chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, CO2 and H2O utilization, seed yield, dry herbage yield, andrographolide and active ingredient content. Significantly higher Seed yield (621.78 Kg/ha), dry herbage yield (46.61 q/ha), andrographolide (2.59%) and active ingredient content (105.66 Kg/ha) was obtained by treated with GA3 @100ppm as compare to other treatments at harvest.