Effect of colchicine on growth and yield of sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and dhaincha (Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W. Wight.

Sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and Dhaincha (Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq.) W. Wight) are fast growing annual crops and those are cultivated as green manure. During present investigation treatment with colchicine showed significant effect on growth characteristics of Sunnhemp and Dhaincha. The germination percentage decreased with increasing concentration of colchicine. Sterility percentage was higher in Sunnhemp. Increasing concentration of colchicine with increased basal diameter of the stem, showed slow growth as well as late and long-lasting flowering. Plant height, number of pods and number of seeds per pod, biomass, seed and stalk yield deceased due to the treatment with colchicine.