Germination, viability and vigour of fresh and aged seeds of some endangered medicinal plant species of western Himalayas
Abstract
Fresh and aged (one year old) seeds of endangered medicinal plant species of Western Himalayas were evaluated for germination, viability and vigour attributes. It was observed that aged seeds of Achillea millefolium, Gentiana kurroo and Podophyllum hexandrum registered a substantial loss of 20,75 and 25 per cent germinability, respectively. Further, emergence index declined by 5,90 and 40 per cent in aged seeds of Achillea, Gentiana and Podophyllum respectively. A higher proportion of strong seedlings was recorded when raised from current year collection. Further, significant correlations were observed between germination percentage and speed; emergence index and vigour index; vigour and viability. However, negative correlation of electrical conductivity (EC) was observed with germination percentage and speed.
Keywords
Achillea millefolium, emergence index, Gentiana kurroo, germination, Podophyllum hexandrum, viability, vigour index
