Efficacy of Temperature Regime on Seed Germination and Vigour in Kuth (Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch

In order to standardize the temperature regime for seed germination and seedling vigour in kuth, an investigation was carried out in the Laboratory of Department of Horticulture, College of Forestry and Hill Agriculture, Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttrakhand. Observations were taken for standard germination (%), first count (%), seedling root length (cm), seedling shoot length (cm), total seedling length (cm), seedling fresh weight (mg), seedling dry weight (mg), vigour index I, vigour index II and relative growth index. Among different temperature regimes under study, kuth seeds showed significant maximum germination percent at 20oC (82.75%) followed by 22oC (75.50%). The general mean for root length in kuth was 4.42 cm. The greater shoot length (4.93 cm) was measured for 20oC followed by 4.62 cm at 22oC. Statistically maximum seedling length (10.01 cm) for kuth was observed at 20oC. Among different temperature under study, kuth seedling showed significantly maximum fresh weight (55.27 mg) at 20oC. Kuth showed significantly maximum vigour index (829.04) at 20oC followed by 701.85 at 22oC. Vigour index II was estimated maximum (982.24) at 20oC.