Influence of Various Parameters on Seed Germination and Plant Growth Prototype of Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex Fleming): A Rare Plant on Earth

Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has 270 endemic (62 endemic and 208 near-endemic) plant species that are used for medicinal purposes, most of which are harvested indiscriminately for preparation of herbal drugs. Among these, the genus Swertia (Family Gentianaceae) with over 32 species in IHR (15 in north-East Himalaya) occupies an important place. Reckless harvesting with poor seed germination and improper nutrient management is become critical constraints for its cultivation. The present communication deals with the improvement in seed germination along with plant growth of this endangered medicinal herb. Present study was conducted during 2010–13, at RRS Kalimpong (Darjeeling), UBKV, West Bengal. Germination percentage can be improved with various soil composition and optimal seed treatment. Germination was high with sterilized soil: sand: vermicompost (8:4:1 v/v), and was at par with the sterilized soil: sand: leaf manure (8:4:1 v/v). With various sub plot treatments, GA200 play significant role for better germination and was at par with the IAA150 treated seeds. This recorded 87.64% more seed germination over the least dose of growth regulator application (GA50). In another field experiment, various biofertilizers treated seedling of Swertia chirayita root at twelve month of transplanting, revealed that application of Azotobactor (@2 g/plant) + VAM (@2 g/plant) + PSB (@2 g/plant) + Azolla culture (@2 g/plant) gave significantly more plant height and fresh biomass production at maximum vegetative growth phase, and was at par with the seedling root treatment with VAM (@2 g/plant) + PSB (@ 2 g/plant), Azotobactor (@2 g/plant) + VAM (@2 g/plant) + PSB (@2 g/plant) and notably superior to rest of the treatments. More plant dry biomass was registered with the Azotobactor (@2 g/plant) + VAM (@2 g/plant) + PSB (@2 g/plant), and was statistically similar with the Azotobactor (@2 g/plant) + VAM (@2 g/plant) + PSB(@2 g/plant) + Azolla culture (@2 g/plant). The present study recommends use of sterilized soil: sand: vermicompost (8:4:1 v/v) along with GA 200 ppm soaked seed, as the best treatment for improving seed germination. Seed ling root treatment with Azotobactor (@2 g/plant) + VAM (@2 g/plant) + PSB (@2 g/plant) + Azolla culture (@2 g/plant), showed highest growth parameter indices. This technology can easily be practiced by farmers raising seedlings for commercial cultivation with high conservation priority.