Effect of nitrogen and farm yard manure on physiological parameters in ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Under Vertisol soil type

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of nitrogen and farm yard manure (FYM) on some physiological, biochemical parameters and quality of root of medicinal plant ashwagandha at pre-flowering and post-flowering stages. Significant differences in pigment content (chlorophyll and carotenoids) were observed in both pre and post-flowering stages. The total phenol and ortho-dihydric phenol content decreased with the application of nitrogen in pre-flowering stage, but increased with the application of nitrogen at post-flowering stage. The activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) showed an increasing trend with the application of nitrogen in pre-flowering stage and mixed trend in post-flowering stage. The highest grade of roots B, C and D were formed at all applied nitrogen levels. The quality of root based on the alkaloid content was found to be better at low nitrogen level (N⁰ and N²⁰) and FYM. However, the root yield was maximum 20 kg N ha⁻¹.