In vitro seed germination studies on Arnebia benthamii

Germinability and seedling survival studies on Arnebia benthamii - a heavily exploited and critically endangered medicinal plant of N.W. Himalayas was carried out under ex situ conditions at 1550m. Among various treatments given to the seeds to enhance germinability, scarification/complete removal of the seed coat was found to be most effective. This was primarily due to the presence of inhibitors in the seed coat. GA3 treatment of 25 and 50 ppm was most effective but higher concentrations (100ppm and 200 ppm) decreased the seed germination. A relationship was observed between seed mass and percentage germination.