Research Laboratory, Mungpoo, Darjeeling
The present study reports the effect of few trace elements like Zn, Fe and Mo on diosgenin formation in Costus speciosus (koenig) Sm. growing in Darjeeling hills in relation to changes of certain biochemical parameters. Zn inhibited where as Fe and Mo promoted the content of active principles in Costus speciosus (keonig) Sm. A close relationship was noticed between chlorophyll, soluble nitrogen, total nitrogen and reducing sugar contents with diosgenin content, however non reducing sugar decreased with the increase in above parameters as well as diosgenin.
