STANDARDIZATION OF SEED TESTING PROCEDURES AND ...

STANDARDIZATION OF SEED TESTING
PROCEDURES AND STORAGE STUDIES IN
SELECTED MEDICINAL CROPS
Thesis submitted to the
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
Degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE (AGRICULTURE)
in
SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
By
LALITH KUMAR BHARATH V. B.
DEPARTMENT OF SEED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, DHARWAD
UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES,
DHARWAD – 580 005
AUGUST, 2008

ADVISORY COMMITTEE
DHARWAD
AUGUST, 2008 (V. K. DESHPANDE)
CHAIRMAN
Approved by :
Chairman :
Members : 1.
2.
3.
4.
(V. K. DESHPANDE)
(B. S. VYAKARANAHAL)
(M. B. KURDIKERI)
(S. I. HARLAPUR)
(C. K. VENUGOPAL)

CONTENTS
Sl. No. Chapter Particulars
CERTIFICATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF PLATES
1. INTRODUCTION
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1 Standardization of seed testing procedure
2.2 Pretreatment for germination improvement
2.3 Interaction of media and temperature
3. MATERIAL AND METHODS
3.1 Source of seeds
3.2 Experiment-I : Standardization of the suitable media, temperature,
light requirement and duration on germination in Tulsi,
Ashwagandha, Periwinkle and Kalmegh seeds
3.3 Experiment-II : Effect of seed treatment on enhancing germination
in Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Periwinkle and Kalmegh seeds during
storage
3.4 Statistical analysis
4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
4.1 Experiment-I : Standardization of the suitable media, temperature,
light requirement and duration on germination in Tulsi,
Ashwagandha, Periwinkle and Kalmegh seeds
4.2 Experiment-II : To study the effect of seed treatment on improving or
enhancing germination in Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Periwinkle and
Kalmegh seeds
5. DISCUSSION
5.1 Experiment-I : Standardization of the suitable media, temperature,
light requirement and duration on germination in Tulsi,
Ashwagandha, Periwinkle and Kalmegh seeds
5.2 Experiment-II : Effect of seed treatment on enhancing germination in
Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Periwinkle and Kalmegh seeds during storage
5.3 Practical utility
5.4 Future line of work
6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
REFERENCES

Table
No.
LIST OF TABLES
Title
1. Standardization of seed testing procedures in Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
seeds
1a. Interaction effects of media, temperature, light and seed treatment on
seed quality parameters of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) seeds
2. Standardization of seed testing procedures in Ashwagandha (Withania
somnifera) seeds
2a. Interaction effects of media, temperature, light and seed treatment on
seed quality parameters of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) seeds
3. Standardization of seed testing procedures in Periwinkle (Catharanthus
roseus) seeds
3a. Interaction effects of media, temperature, light and seed treatment on
seed quality parameters of Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) seeds
4. Standardization of seed testing procedures in Kalmegh (Andrographis
paniculata) seeds
4a. Interaction effects of media, temperature, light and seed treatment on
seed quality parameters of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) seeds
5. Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Tulsi seeds
during storage
6. Effect of seed treatment on shoot length (cm) of Tulsi seeds during
storage
7. Effect of seed treatment on root length (cm) of Tulsi seeds during
storage
8. Effect of seed treatment on seedling vigour index of Tulsi seeds during
storage
9. Effect of seed treatment on electrical conductivity (dS/m) of seed
leachate of Tulsi seeds during storage
10. Effect of seed treatment on field emergence (%) of Tulsi seeds during
storage
11. Effect of seed treatment on seed health in Tulsi seeds during storage
12. Effect of seed treatment on germination of Ashwagandha seeds during
storage
13. Effect of seed treatment on shoot length (cm) of Ashwagandha seeds
during storage
14. Effect of seed treatment on root length (cm) of Ashwagandha seeds
during storage
15. Effect of seed treatment on seedling vigour index of Ashwagandha
seeds during storage
16. Effect of seed treatment on electrical conductivity (dS/m) of
Ashwagandha seeds during storage
17. Effect of seed treatment on field emergence (%)of Ashwagandha
seeds during storage
18. Effect of seed treatment on seed health in Ashwagandha seeds during
storage
19. Effect of seed treatment on germination of Periwinkle seeds during
storage

Table
No.
Title
20. Effect of seed treatment on shoot length (cm) of Periwinkle seeds
during storage
21. Effect of seed treatment on root length (cm) of Periwinkle seeds during
storage
22. Effect of seed treatment on seedling vigour index of Periwinkle seeds
during storage
23. Effect of seed treatment on electrical conductivity (dS/m) of Periwinkle
seeds during storage
24. Effect of seed treatment on field emergence (%) of Periwinkle seeds
during storage
25. Effect of seed treatment on seed health in Periwinkle seeds during
storage
26. Effect of seed treatment on germination of Kalmegh seeds during
storage
27. Effect of seed treatment on shoot length (cm) of Kalmegh seeds during
storage
28. Effect of seed treatment on root length (cm) of Kalmegh seeds during
storage
29. Effect of seed treatment on seedling vigour index of Kalmegh seeds
during storage
30. Effect of seed treatment on electrical conductivity (dS/m) of Kalmegh
seeds during storage
31. Effect of seed treatment on field emergence (%)of Kalmegh seeds
during storage
32. Effect of seed treatment on seed health in Kalmegh seeds during
storage
33. Seed testing procedure for selected medicinal plant species
Figure
No.
LIST OF FIGURES
Title
1. Interaction effects on Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) seeds
2. Interaction effects on Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) seeds
3. Interaction effects on Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) seeds
4. Interaction effects on Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) seeds
5. Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Tulsi seeds
during storage
6. Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Ashwagandha
seeds during storage
7. Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Periwinkle
seeds during storage
8. Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Kalmegh seeds
during storage

Plate
No.
LIST OF PLATES
Title
1. Different medicinal plants selected for the study
2. Nursery establishment of medicinal plants
3. Effect of media, temperature, light and its duration on different
medicinal plants
4. Pathogens observed at the end of storage period in different
medicinal plants
Appendix
No
1.
2.
LIST OF APPENDICES
Title
Initial seed quality parameters of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Periwinkle (Catharathus
roseus) and Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) for old seeds
Initial seed quality parameters of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum),
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Periwinkle (Catharathus
roseus) and Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) for fresh seeds

1. INTRODUCTION
The use of plants for medical purposes by man due to their therapeutic properties has
been in vogue since from pre-historic times. In India and worldwide, use of herbal ingredients
has a long tradition. The indigenous medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani are
followed even today as a part of curing many ailments without any side effects.
The earliest reference to the use of medicinal herbs to cure the diseases is found in
the manuscript of “Eber papyrus” which dates back to about 16 th century B.C. The use of
poppy, caster oil, squills, aloe’s etc. are recorded in this book. Number of examples of herbals
with medicinal properties appear in the “Atharvaveda”, “Rigveda” and also in the works of
“Charaka” and “Susruta”. The importance of the medicinal herbs were recorded in Ayurveda
part of the Athervaveda and even in the old Egyptian, Greek and European literatures. The
earliest record on the use of Indian medicinal plant is Soma plant by Indo-Aryans (Poojar,
2000).
Each medicinal plant species has to be studied botanically, pharmacognostically,
chemically and finally clinically. The natural products, which are being obtained from plants
are, safe as against the synthetics as the later potentially cause harmful side effects. Herbal
products perceive utmost care for the environment, which includes biodegradable and
ecofriendly products and even avoid testing on animals.
Drugs of great medicinal value have been extracted from herbs such as morphine,
cocaine, strychnine, digitalis, ephedrine, mandragorine, aconitine, ergotarmine, rauvolfine,
atropine and quinine in the recent years.
Awareness about the natural ingredients from medicinal plants and their gain in
economic terms has attracted many farmers to go for their cultivation.
The trade of medicinal plants in India is estimated to be around Rs. 1000 crores per
annum and the world trade to be over US $ 60 billion.
About 95 per cent of the medicinal plant species used by the Indian industry at
present are collected from the wild forests. Less than 20 species of plants are under
commercial cultivation which about 400 species are used in production by the industry.
Seventy per cent medicinal plant collections involved destructive harvesting because of the
use of parts like root, bark, wood, stem and the whole plant which lead to the threat of genetic
stocks and diversity of medicinal plants. As per the guidelines of IUCN (International Union for
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) – The World Conservation Union, India has
already listed around 200 species of medicinal plants under rare endangered and threatened
categories (Anon., 1997).
There are several reasons for the increase in demand for medicinal plants. Because,
they are the sources of many biologically active ingredients which cannot be synthesized in
the laboratory. Some plants contain special materials, which can be used for semi-synthetic
processes in pharmacological industry.
When cultivation comes into picture, the availability of good planting material
becomes more crucial. As the seed is the basic unit for cultivation of any crop an adage says
“Good seed : Good crop”, holds good even today.
A good source of quality “Seed” is necessary for raising healthy medicinal plants. The
quality seeds can be made available through standard seed testing procedures accepted
across the international frontiers.
Seed testing is an essential step for evaluation of planting value of seeds, to minimize
the risk of failure in planting low quality seeds. It is difficult to assess the quality of seeds by
naked eye. The need for testing of seeds arose from the desire of its user to know whether
the seed has capacity to grow into a healthy normal plant or not. The importance of seed
testing in agricultural crops has long been realized. In medicinal plant species, seed testing is
also necessary to determine the need for drying and processing, to determine the quality
standards under seed certification and seed law enforcement programme; to identify seed

quality problems and their probable causes and to provide basis for price fixation and
consumer discrimination of seed lots etc.
In order to have uniformity in seed testing, it is important that the methods employed
for testing of seeds by different laboratories are the same. Uniformity in seed testing
procedure is also necessary to play a statutory role under the Seeds Act, 1966. Uniformity is
also needed for reproducing results in different laboratories. For this purpose, it is essential to
develop the rules for seed testing of medicinal plants. Such rules of testing have been
developed extensively in agricultural crops. But, medicinal plant species need standardization
of seeds testing procedure as the information of such standard seed testing procedure are
very scanty and not available till today.
Among the different tests that have been designed for determination of seed quality
namely, germination test is undoubtedly the most dependable, especially because a number
of comparable tests under controlled conditions of media and temperature can be performed,
and the test can be repeated with reproductibility, reliability and uniformity.
The quality of a seed lot is determined mainly by its germination capacity which is the
expression of its viability. So, the interest on germination behaviour of medicinal plant seeds
has grown rapidly with increase in the seed trade and movement across international
frontiers. For this purpose, a great emphasis has been laid on seed quality tests.
Sufficient water must be supplied to the seeds to enable their moisture content to be
raised sufficiently to allow germination to occur. Water is also required for seedling growth.
This can be attained by using specific substrates or medias, which supplies sufficient
moisture to the seeds. Oxygen will also be supplied to seeds in sufficient quantity.
The mechanism of seed germination in light is controlled by the phytochrome
pigment. Both light intensity and quality influence the germination. Light intensities of 100 to
200 foot candle are adequate for germination of most of the species. The greatest promotion
of germination occurs in the red light area (660 – 700 nm) with a peak at 660 nm and that
maximum inhibition occurred in far red light at 710 nm and in the blue region at 452 nm, brief
exposure of increased duration. There is driven red light at lower intensities and at higher
intensities by blue light.
The seed germination involves a series of steps beginning with absorption of water
into the seed in presence of suitable temperature leading to rupture of seed coat and
emergence of radicle and plumule. An optimum temperature requirement varied from species
to species and even with cultivars of same species for seed germination.
Among the large number of medicinal plants that are still to be exploited, there are
some important species viz., Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Periwinkle, Kalmegh that are of
commercial value but have problem of seed germination, storage, testing etc. have been
selected for study.
These medicinal crop plants are multiplied through seed and are economically
important worldwide. Although, they are seed propagated virtually no systematic work has
been done either for their multiplication or to know the causes for their poor germination and
keeping quality. As the germination of these medicinal crops is erratic with their poor
storability there is a need to study these problems especially on germination, dormancy etc. in
order to uplift or enhance the quality for better and quick germination.
With these facts in view, a comprehensive study entitled “Standardization of seed
testing procedures and storage studies in selected medicinal crops” was undertaken with the
following objectives.
1. Standardization of the suitable media, temperature, light requirement and duration on
germination in Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Periwinkle and Kalmegh seeds
2. To study the effect of seed treatment on enhancing germination in Tulsi,
Ashwagandha, Periwinkle and Kalmegh seeds during storage

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The literature pertaining to the effect of media and temperature on seed germination,
light requirement, time taken for germination and storability of important medicinal crops have
been reviewed and presented in this chapter.
2.1 Standardization of seed testing procedure
Standardization of basic requirements for germination like temperature and media are
very much essential to attain uniformity and reproducibility of results in the seed testing
laboratory. Standardization of seed testing procedures are meager in medicinal crops.
2.1.1 Germination media
The role of media for seed germination is considered to be vital. Richard et al. (1964)
characterized an ideal medium for germination, suggested that it should be sufficiently firm
and dense, retentive of moisture, sufficiently porous etc. Kalantyr (1968) observed that the
use of vermiculite as a substrate markedly improved seed germination and seedling
emergence of number of medicinal plants.
Ellis et al. (1985) suggested the use of 'top of paper' or 'between paper' for conduct of
germination test in Hibiscus sabdariffa and Catharanthus roseus. The best medium for
germination test for Atropa belladonna, Hyperium pciforatum, Solanum lacinatum, Solanum
sclerea and Majorana hortensis was top of paper method as suggested by Cesevensyes and
Baleanu (1987).
Verma et al. (1989) recommended top of paper method for conducting germination
test of Isabgol.
Seeds of Ephedra gerandiana sown in sand medium recorded maximum germination
with shortest period than those on soil and filter paper (Bhagat et al., 1992).
According to Periera (1995), substrate had no effect in the final germination
percentage of Bixa orellana.
Bhagat et al. (1992) observed maximum germination of 97 per cent in Woodfordia
fruiticosa seeds sown in sand medium compared to brick media and soil, which registered 58
and 43 per cent, respectively.
Kalavathi (1996) suggested sand media for conduct of germination test in Cassia
angustifolia and Catharanthus roseus and between paper method for Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Gangare et al. (1998) recommended top of paper method for Andrographis paniculata
and Helicteres isova and between paper method for Thespesia populanea for better and
quick germination.
According to Suryawanshi et al. (1998) top of paper media was found to be the best
for conducting germination test in Solanum viarum, Artemisia pallens and Cassia angustifolia.
Top of paper method was ideal for conducting germination test in Withania somnifera
(Vakeswaran, 2001).
2.1.2 Influence of temperature
Seeds of different species have requirement of different temperature ranges within
which they germinate. The most desirable temperature for germination is generally the one at
which a given number of seeds achieve their maximum per cent of germination, over a period
of time, which is considered as the ‘optimum temperature’. The maximum and minimum
temperature for germination are the highest and lowest temperature at which germination still
occur (Copeland and McDonald, 1989).
According to Mastalerz (1976) the optimum temperature for germination test of
Catharanthus roseus was 20 - 25 0 C. Joshua (1978) reported that an alternating temperature
of 10/25 0 C hastened the germination of Solanum incanuum.
Roberts et al. (1978) opined that Solanum nigrum seeds germinated rapidly at an
alternate temperature of 25/30 0 C. Wagenvoort and Vanopstal (1979) recommended alternate

temperature for improving the germination of Solanum nigrum seeds. Investigations revealed
that 28 0 C was the most favourable temperature for Solanum lancinatum (Jatisatien 1983).
According to Horowitz and Givelberg (1982) Solanum nigrum seeds did not germinate in dark
but in light 98 per cent germination was recorded on 5 th day between 20 and 35 0 C
temperature with optimum of 25 0 C.
The alternate temperature of 25/30 0 C and 20/30 0 C was suggested for better
germination in Hibiscus sabdariffa and in Catharanthus roseus, respectively (Ellis et al.,
1985a).
Thomson and Wilt (1987) suggested a constant temperature of 30 0 C or alternating
temperature regime of 20/30 0 C for maximum germination in Physalis species and Solanum
ptycanthum. The temperature required for Atropa belladonna, Hyperium perforatum and
Solanum lacinatum was 20 to 30 0 C and for Solanum sclerca it was 30 0 C (Cesevensyes and
Baleanu, 1987).
Verma et al. (1989) suggested that 25 0 C was found to be optimum for conducting
germination test in Plantago ovata. The optimum temperature for germination of Solanum
nigrum was 20/30 0 C (Kazinci and Hunyadi, 1990).
Catharanthus roseus recorded highest germination percentage at 25-30 0 C in
complete darkness (Carpenter and Bouncher, 1992).
Barrosleal et al. (1993) found that the alternating temperature of 20/30 0 C enhanced
the germination percentage in Solanum americanum. Hamada et al. (1993) reported that the
alternate temperature of 30/20 0 C gave better germination in Ocimum basilicum.
The germination was suppressed either at 15 0 C or night temperature in Catharanthus
roseus seed, while the temperature above 20 0 C promoted germination of seeds irrespective
of presence of light (Blazich et al., 1995). The optimum temperature range for most of
Laminaceae family members was 15-20 0 C as reported by Thomas et al. (1995).
Ikuta et al. (1996) recommended 20-25 0 C for germination of Achyroclina satureiodes.
Ocimum species showed the highest germination (95-99%) at 30-35 0 C (Gupta and Shahi,
1998). Seeds of Solanum incanum, Solanum luteum and Solanum nigrum were capable of
germinating at 28/12 0 C and 30/12 0 C day and night temperature (Teketay, 1998).
Cardoso (1999) reported that seed germination of Catharanthus roseus showed
highest value in the temperature interval of 22 to 27 0 C. However, higher temperature (>40 0 C)
induced secondary dormancy in Solanum carolinense seeds. Maximum germination occurred
at a constant temperature of 35 0 C (Oh et al., 1999).
The seeds of Catharanthus roseus and Cassia biflora recorded the highest
germination percentage at 25 0 C, when sown on filter paper and at 30 0 C for those sown in
sand (Shamim Mustafa et al., 1999). Higher germination percentage was observed in Senna
macranthera at a temperature of 21 0 C, but no seeds germinated between 6 to 9 0 C or 39 to
42 0 C (Cassarosilva, 2001). According to Luciani et al. (2001) temperature favouring
germination for Plantago species seed lies between 10 and 25 0 C.
According to Adarshkumar and Bhatnagar (1976), both fresh and one year old seed
lots of Dalbergia sissoo, germinated faster and gave maximum germination at 30 0 C in
between paper method within nine days. The alternate temperature of 20 and 30 0 C, 25 and
30 0 C, 30 and 40 0 C were also equally effective but high temperatures of 40 0 C and 35 to 40 0 C
were not favourable.
Red maple seeds required pre-chilling treatment of six to eight weeks and alternating
temperature of 20 – 30 0 C with eight hours photoperiod for maximum germination (Wang and
Hadon, 1978).
Yokoyama and Makai (1988) found that Trochodendron aralioides seeds gave 91.7
per cent germination at 28 0 C and it ranged from 27 to 37 per cent at low temperatures of
23 0 C, 18 0 C and 13 0 C. Same species gave 81 per cent germination at alternating temperature
of 20 and 30 0 C and only nine per cent at alternating temperature of 10 and 20 0 C.

Singh and Motilal (1990) reported that Rauvolfia serpentina seeds gave significantly
increased percentage germination from 1.5 to 4.8 per cent to 45.2 per cent when treated with
GA3 (500 mg/l) in laboratory condition.
2.2 Pretreatment for germination improvement
The germination capacity of medicinal plants is generally low due to the presence of
dormancy. Any aberrations or mechanical injury to the seed coat or even any chemical
treatment given may release the seed dormancy. Seed germination response of certain
cultivated medicinal plants to various physical and chemical treatments aimed at breaking
dormancy and thereby improve the germination percentage (Sriram, 2004).
Santapan (1956) observed poor germination in Rauvolfia seed which was due to the
immature embryo of freshly collected seed and it requires post harvest ripening period for its
full development. Freshly harvested seeds of Rauvolfia serpentina are heavier and
germinated better (Choudhary, 1963). These seeds did not require any rest period and they
germinated soon after harvest (Dutta, 1963).
Seed treatment with sodium hydroxide @ 25 per cent concentration for three minutes
significantly enhanced the germination in Atropa belladonna (Gupta and Shah, 1971).
Dharmalingam et al. (1971) reported that for Tephrosia purpurea (kolinji), seed
scarification with sand followed by pre-soaking with hot water at 50 0 C for five minutes was
ideal for improving germination. In contrast, Dharmalingam et al. (1973) suggested that seed
treatment with concentrated H2SO4 for five minutes alone improved the germination in
Tephrosia purpurea.
Choudhary and Kaul (1973) reported increased germination in the seeds of Atropa
belladonna treated with Thiourea @ 2 per cent.
Singh et al. (1974) reported enhancement of germination of Datura innoxia seeds
with irradiation @ 500 Kr of light and ascorbic acid @ one per cent concentration.
According to Tyagi and Sharma (1977), Solanum nigrum seeds washed with two per
cent acetic acid resulted in good germination. Treating the seeds of Solanum nigrum with 0.2
per cent KNO3 or 500 ppm GA3 improved the germination percentage (Roberts et al., 1978).
Pre-sowing seed treatment at 25 0 C temperature for 6 days with GA3 @ 500 ppm for 24h
significantly increased the germination in Solanum incanum (Joshua, 1978).
Ocimum sanctum seeds treated with hormones and promoters showed that 10 ppm
of GA3, 75 ppm of kinetin, 50 ppm of ethrel, 25 ppm of boric acid, 10 ppm of KNO3 and one
per cent of ascorbic acid significantly improved the germination of seeds collected in April and
June but not in seeds collected during May (Dey and Choudhari, 1982).
The seed treatment with 1000-1400 ppm GA3 increased the seed germination of
Atropha beladonna (Suchorska and Ruminska, 1983). Washing Panax ginseng seeds in
running water for 15-30 days followed by treating them either with GA3 (200 ppm), Kinetin (20
ppm) or Ethylene (500 ppm) for two days eliminated the presence of inhibitors and shorten
the duration of after ripening period from eight months to four months (Chen et al., 1984).
Bharatkumar et al. (1985) could not find any improvement in germination of
Catharanthus roseus seeds due to pre-soaking treatments for different periods.
Cesevensyes and Baleanu (1987) recommended two hours of water soaking at room
temperature for the improvement of seed germination in coriander.
Jones and Sanders (1987) obtained increased rate of germination by soaking pepper
seeds either in water or in KNO3 + KH2PO4 solution. Mandal et al. (1987) observed 80 and 82
per cent germination in Coriander and Fennel seeds which were soaked in water for five and
ten hours, respectively before sowing.
Veeraragavadatham et al. (1988) found the Ipecac (Cephalis ipecauanha) seeds
treated with 200 ppm of KH2PO4 solution for 24 hours exhibited maximum germination when
compared to control.
According to Al-Helal et al. (1989) seed treatment with H2SO4 was more effective for
removal of seed coat dormancy in Senna than mechanical or boiling water or incision of testa.

Mehta and Sen (1991) reported that seeds of Cassia italica exhibited seed dormancy
and pre-treatment with concentrated H2SO4 and mechanical scarification improved
germination. Seed treatment with GA3 @ 100 ppm followed by drying improved the
germination in Plantago Ianceolata (Isselstein, 1992).
Kumar et al. (1992) in their studies reported that removal of pulp for getting higher
germination in clove seeds. Gloriosa superba seed germination can be improved by soaking
in 4000 ppm Thiourea and the early germination could be achieved by soaking in GA3 (Supari
et al., 1993).
Psoralea corylifolia seeds recorded higher germination when treated with sulphuric
acid for 5 minutes after followed by dipping in water for 4 h and again scarifying with
concentrated H2SO4 for 20 minutes (Vivekmittar et al., 1993).
Treating the seeds of Tilia species with concentrated sulphuric acid had improved the
germination significantly (Magherini and Nin, 1993). Kevseroglue (1993) found that seed
treatment with KNO3 for 15 minutes increased the germination percentage in Datura
stramonium.
Barrosleal et al. (1993) reported that pre-sowing seed treatment with GA3 found to
break the seed dormancy effectively in Solanum americanum. On the other hand Ethylene
was found to elicit dormancy breaking even at a concentration of 50 ppm in Datura
stramonium (Benvenuti and Macchia, 1994).
Laura et al. (1994) reported improvement in the germination of newly harvested
Ahmtingia calabura seeds subjected to 210 ppm of GA 3 treatment. Raina et al. (1994)
suggested that Swertia chirata seeds required pre-chilling treatment at -3 0 C for 15 days for
the improvement of germination.
Choudhary and Gupta (1995) reported 100 per cent germination of Catharanthus
roseus seeds treated with GA 3 @ 500 ppm either for 12 h or 24 h prior to sowing.
Cent per cent seed germination could be achieved in Glycyrrhiza glabra when 24
hours water soaked seed were treated with concentrated H2S04 for 20 minutes (Sheelaverma,
1996). Dhankar and Singh (1996) observed that treatments with GA3 at 250 ppm were found
effective for better germination of Phyllallthus emblica.
Hard coat seed dormancy in Cassia angustifolia could come by treatment with
commercial H2SO4 at 100 ml per kg of seed for 10 minutes (Kalavathi, 1996). Promolin (GA4 +
GA7 + Benzyladenine) at a concentration of 80 ppm was effective in improving the
germination of Hibiscus sabdariffa seed (Ynoue et al., 1996).
Aoyma et al. (1996) reported that subjecting the seeds of Lavandula angustifolia to
GA3 at 100 or 200 ppm improved the germination percentage and also accelerated the speed
of germination. On the other hand the sulphuric acid scarification was found most effective for
breaking the dormancy in Clitoria ternata (Dhillon and Singh, 1996).
Gupta et al. (1997) improved the seed germination when reported that pre-treated the
Glycyrrhiza glabra seeds with concentrated H2SO4 for five min improved the germination.
Leaching the seeds of Gymnema sylvestre in tap water for 12h followed by soaking in
0.2% KNO 3 solution for 6h enhanced the germination up to 75 per cent (Harakumar, 1997).
Saba et al. (1997) observed that splitting of seeds of Silybum marianum at micropylar
end and soaking in GA3 (3mg/litre) for 2 days showed 95 per cent germination. Highest rate of
germination of l00 per cent in Sida rhombifolia and 64 per cent in Sida acuta were observed
when seeds were treated with 3N H2SO4 for 2 and 7 min, respectively (Seal and Gupta,
1998).
Nearly 100 per cent germination was reported in Catharanthus roseus when
decoated seeds were subjected to 0.14-4 mM and coated ones to 2.886 mM concentration of
GA 3 solution (Chaudhary and Gupta, 1998).
Kattimani et al. (1999) reported that soaking the seeds of Withania somnifera in one
per cent sodium nitrate resulted in rapid and higher germination.

Soaking of seeds of Pancratiumarabicum in GA 3 @ 20 and 60 ppm increased the
germination percentage (Tolba, 1999).
Cochrane et al. (1999) observed that seed plug removal followed by GA3 (25 mg/l)
treatment resulted in germination enhancement in Hemigenia exilis (Laminaceae). Treating
the seeds of Rauvolfia serpentina with hot water (80 0 C for 5 min) and then cooling down to
room temperature produced highest germination percentage and better seedling vigour index
(Bhuyar et al., 2000).
Gibberellic acid treatment at 100 ppm was found the best for promoting seed
germination, seedling growth and plant establishment of Nothapodytes foetida (Sharma et al.,
2000).
Pandey et al. (2000) found that KNO3 (50 and 100mM) treatment significantly
enhanced the germination in Aconitum balfourii (62% - 70%) while in Aconitum
heterophyllum, Thiourea @130 mM resulted in higher germination (40%).
The seed coat piercing and sand paper scarification improved the germination of
Satureja montana (Laminaceae) to the extent of 82-85 per cent (Boscagli and Sette, 2001).
Bhuse et al. (2001) reported that treating the seeds of Cassia angustifolia with H2SO4 for 12
min gave highest germination of 72 per cent.
Germination was cent per cent when seeds of Plumbago zeylanica were cut at the
micropylar and chalazal ends and incubated in moist filter paper (Menon et al., 2001). Revathi
(2001) reported that soaking of Phylanthus amarus seeds in Thiourea @150 ppm resulted in
higher germination.
Toth (2001) found that seeds treated with KNO3 and GA3 increased the germination
rate significantly in Datura species. Gupta (2002) observed that H2SO4 treatment (upto 20%)
increased the germination rate (84% – 86%) and resulted in better seedling survival (80%) in
Asparagus racemosus when sown in field.
Vakeswaran (2001) observed that mechanical scarification with sand for 6 min
followed by soaking in GA3 @ 500 ppm for 5h significantly improved the germination by 21.5
per cent over control in Withania somnifera
Gupta et al. (2001) showed that different treatments like hot water treatment at 70 0 C
for 10 minutes followed by concentrated H2SO4 scarification for five minutes was most
effective in breaking the dormancy which was imposed by seed coat in Abutilon indicum.
Gupta (2002) studied on overcoming seed dormancy in seven species of Ocimum,
where he used GA3 at 5 to 30 ppm level. But, most effective was 20 ppm. Also he used salts
like KCl, KNO3 and H2O2 at 1 to 10 per cent concentration in that most effective was 5 and 10
per cent doses, which increased seed germination capacity, germination velocity index and
seedling vigour index (SVI) significantly in all the seven species of Ocimum.
Sharma et al. (2000) studied seed germination behaviour of Nothapodytes foetida by
providing physical treatments and growth hormonal treatments. Among the physical
treatments, piercing the micropylae end and mechanical scarification showed improvement in
germination upto 24 per cent and with 5 per cent H2SO4 the improvement was upto 30 per
cent. Among the growth hormonal treatments, 100 ppm GA 3 resulted the highest germination
of 70 per cent against 5 to 6 per cent in control. GA3 100 ppm was found to be the best in
terms of germination enhancement and seedling growth survival percentage when compared
with all other treatments.
Verma et al. (2000) showed that invigoration studies in Withania somnifera seeds
pretreated with 100 ppm GA3 resulted in vigorous growth of seedlings under laboratory
conditions.
Ghule et al. (2001) studied on seed dormancy and standardization of germination in
some medicinal plants where Ocimum basilicum seeds germinated best when the seeds were
treated with 0.2 per cent of KNO3 for 24 hours.
Limbale et al. (2001) made an experiment on stimulation of germination and
dormancy studies in some medicinal plants. The treatment with 100 ppm thiourea (16 h) after
hot water soaking (16 h) and treatment with GA 3 (400 ppm) (32 hours) resulted better

germination in Cassia fistula and Ocimum sanctum respectively and seeds of Withania
somnifera recorded highest germination after soaking for 24 hours in 400 ppm GA3.
Gupta (2002) showed that GA3 was very effective in over coming seed dormancy at
5-40 ppm level. Most effective dose is 20 ppm KCl, KNO3 and H2O2 salts also found to be
useful at 1-10%, concentrations and most effective being 5 and 10 per cent doses. These will
increase in seed germination capacity, germination velocity index and seedling vigour index in
Ocimum sps.
Fathima Gani et al. (2003) made an experiment on seed germination studies on
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) where thiourea, DAP and GA 3 were used as treatments.
In that results showed that, GA3 at 100 ppm for 6 hours and DAP application @ 500 g
favoured the improvement of germination percentage from 62.00 (control) to 82.00.
Velmurugan et al. (2003) made an experiment on seed germination studies in
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) seeds, where they used different chemicals like GA 3,
KH2PO4, thiourea with water and soil as the media. Among these, GA3 at 250 ppm recorded
highest percentage of germination (65.3), survival (100%), shoot length (12.74 cm), shoot:root
ratio (1.45), hypocotyls thickness (5.15 cm) and dry matter production (6.42 g/plant) and also
there was no significant difference between GA 3 at 250 ppm or KH 2P0 4 at 1 per cent
treatments for all above characters.
Patil et al. (2007) showed that effect of seed source and pre sowing treatment with
NaNO3, ZnSO4, KNO3 and thiourea @ 0.5 and 1 per cent, GA3 at 100 and 200 ppm. Among
the treatments results showed that GA 3 @ 200 ppm recorded significantly higher germination
(91.67%) and other treatments are on par except NaNO3 (0.5%), thiorea (0.5%), distilled
water and untreated in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
2.3 Interaction of media and temperature
Bahuguna et al. (1987) reported the maximum germination (38%) in Terminalia
myriocarpa seeds on top of paper with a moisture content of 66.6 per cent at temperature
25 0 C.
Maximum germination was obtained at 15 0 C with five species of Acacia viz., Acacia
tortilis, Acacia craspedocarpa, Acacia pachyacia, Acacia fernacina and Acacia saliegna when
germination test was carried out at four incubation temperatures (15, 20, 25 and 30 0 C) in the
dark on filter paper over moistened vermiculite in petridishes (Omari, 1993).
The seeds of Dalbergia latifolia gave maximum germination at constant temperature
25 0 C and with between paper method. The first count of germination can be taken on day
fourth and second count on day seventh (Ganigara et al., 1995a).
Ganigara et al. (1995b) recommended the constant temperature of either 25 or 30 0 C
and sand medium to test the seeds of Tamarindus indica. In Acacia nilotica constant
temperature of 30 0 C, between paper as substratum and first count on day third and final
count on day seventh were found to be optimum.
Maximum germination per cent was observed in Acacia aureculiformis at 35 0 C in
TP/BP/vermiculite. In Acacia catechu at 25 0 C temperature in TP method whereas in Cassia
fistula both in TP and BP method gave maximum germination at 25 0 C temperature. In
Pithecolobium dulse, the alternate temperature of 20 - 30 0 C in TP or BP and in Switenia
mahogany maximum germination per cent was observed at 20 - 30 0 C and 25 - 35 0 C in
between paper method (Miyan, 1997).
Leonor and Catalan (1992) conducted an experiment on Prosopis flexuosa and P.
chilensis with two types of substrates like sand and paper and temperatures of 15, 25 and
35 0 C and alternating temperature cycles of 10 - 20 0 C, 20 - 30 0 C and 30 - 40 0 C. After
separating endocarps and subject to mechanical scarification and keeping them in 8/16 light
and darkness cycle at 100 per cent RH. In P. chilensis final germination percentage was
statistically similar at the temperatures tested. But, in P. flexuosa the optimum treatment was
20 - 30 0 C cycle (alternating type) or 25 0 C constant temperature and use of either sand or
paper as substrate gave similar results.
The maximum germination (95.50%) was observed in Ammi majus at 20 0 C
temperature in between paper method. The first and final counts were fixed on sixth and tenth

day, respectively (Poojar, 2000). In sand media at alternate temperature of 20 – 30 0 C
Phyllanthus emblica recorded maximum germination (95.00%). This was found on par with 25
– 35 0 C temperature. First and final count can be fixed on fifth and tenth day, respectively. The
alternate temperature of 15 – 25 0 C in between paper method recorded highest germination
(96.00%) in Plantago ovata. The first and final count can be fixed on second and fifth day,
respectively in BP method. In Psorelia corylifolia, highest germination (95.00%) was observed
in sand medium at 15 – 25 0 C. The first and final count can be fixed on second and fifth day,
respectively.
Kalavathi et al. (2001) while standardizing seed testing procedures in some medicinal
species, the results indicated that the first and final counts can be taken on seventh and
fourteenth day for periwinkle seeds having sand, roll towel and top of paper as media. Where
sand shows as a suitable medium for periwinkle and temperature like 20 0 C, 25 0 C and 30 0 C
and alternate of 20 - 30 0 C and 25 - 30 0 C was taken 30 0 C or 25 - 30 0 C alternate showed better
results for periwinkle.
Obaremi et al. (2002) while studying the pre-treatment effects on the germination of
seeds of Ocimum gratissimum which kept at different conditions like light and dark and at
different temperature (10, 15, 25, 30, 35 and 40 0 C) and treatment of leaching at different
periods or duration (0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours) using top of paper method as media. The
results showed that light and temperature of 25 0 C is the ideal for germination and leaching of
seeds in running water for 12 hours gave cent per cent germination.
Gupta (2003) conducted an experiment on different medicinal plants to improve
germination (dormancy breaking) by using different treatments like scarification, hot water
treatment, cold stratification and use of growth regulators (0.2%) KNO3 treatment is used in
two plant species (Costus speciosus and Ocimum sanctum) by using top paper method and
between paper method in sunlight as the media and obtained 86% of germination from 40%
and an increase in 46% of germination was seen.
2.3.1 Effect of light on germination
The effect of different light conditions on seed germination has been studied by many
workers. The significance of light as a factor in the germination of seeds was reviewed.
Certain kinds of seed require light for germination, while others apparently have no such
requirement. It has been reported that the germination of many seeds and spore is clearly
dependent on the action of phytochrome, but such action is found to be absent or not obvious
in others (Mancinelli et al., 1966).
Ellis et al. (1990) worked on jungle rice or shama millet (Echinochloa colonum L.)
seed germination where they responded positively to both white fluorescent light (within
certain photon dose limits) and potassium nitrate (at a single concentration can be applied) in
the alternating temperature regime of 20/30 0 C.
Mehta and Sen (1990) reported that in Ashwagandha exposing the seed to eight
hours light and 16 hours darkness gave 63.3 per cent germination, whereas 10 hours light
and 14 hours dark resulted in minimum germination of 15 per cent. They also added that
germination was maximum in blue light and minimum in red light while there was no
germination in complete darkness.
Giba et al. (1993) showed that seeds of Vaccinium mystillus L. are light requiring.
Maximum germination is induced by at least five days of white light irradiation. With an
optimum temperature of 19 – 20 0 C, light induced germination was better.
In Ocimum gratissinum, germination has been to be phytochrome dependent, which
had a typical high irradiance response (Roche et al., 2002).
Suley et al. (2002) reported that seeds treated with gamma radiation at 5.0 Gy and
10.0 Gy doses resulted in increased per cent (13%) of seed germination as compared with
control.
2.3.2 Seed storage studies
Storing the seeds in viable state make them for planting during the next crop season.
But some crop requires ripening period for dissipating dormancy, which needs storage of
seeds. Works related on storage studies in medicinal crops are very scarce.

Period during which seeds can be stored without significant decline in germination
could be doubled for each one per cent decline in moisture content (Harrington, 1960).
Dutta (1963) in his studies on the seeds of Rauvolfia serpentina reported that seeds
of this species did not require any rest period for germination and found decreased
germination potential over storage.
Abdul-Baki and Anderson (1973) reported that seedling growth rate is one of the
excellent vigour parameters to predict the level of physiological deterioration of seeds.
Bewley and Black (1982) observed that the storage of seeds of Datura composita for
longer period of time decreased their potential to germinate, irrespective of temperature of
storage conditions. Germination of seeds stored for 4 or 5 years was very poor.
Gogitidze (1983) reported complete loss of germination of Catharanthus roseus when
seeds were stored in ambient conditions for a period of four years.
Seeds of Solanum khasianum germinated well upto eight months of storage and then
decreased with an increase in storage period (Mitra and Kushari, 1987).
Syzygium cumini seeds retained viability upto 60 days at low temperature (5 0 C)
compared to seeds stored at ambient temperature, where the viability was lost within 15 days
(Bahuguna et al., 1989).
Storage of seeds of Terminalia myricocarpa under different temperature exhibited
total loss of viability at 30 0 C, 5 0 C and ambient room temperature within three months
(Bahuguna et al., 1989).
Anamariaviana and Felippe (1990) observed the effects of storage on germination of
Dioscorea composita seeds. They observed that the initiation of germination was delayed in
freshly harvested seeds for about nine months.
Radha (1991) reported that most of the green manure seeds stored in 700-guage
polythene bags showed minimum deterioration in terms of germinability and vigour when
compared to seeds stored in cloth bags.
Kalavathi (1996) noticed progressive loss of viability of Cassia, Hibiscus and
Catharanthus seeds with increase in the storage period. When the seeds packed in 700guage
polyethylene bag, it could maintain 87 per cent (Cassia) and 73 per cent (Hibiscus)
germination even upto 15 months of storage.
Nabin and Subhan (2003) reported that after depulping of Cinnamomum
impressinervium Meissn fresh and mature seeds and treating them with luke warm water and
500 ppm solution of GA3 showed highest percentage of germination (92.5%). Eventhough,
they showed six weeks dormancy period in nursery beds. And with increase of storage
period, the seeds started losing their viability.
Yogeesha et al. (2006) worked on Mucuna pruriens to study hard seed content and
storability of six accessions under ambient conditions. The accession MP-7 recorded highest
(78%) and MP-9 least (10%) of seed coat dormancy. As the seeds aged hard seed content
decreased and as a result germination percentage increased. Except MP-7 all other
accessions showed no hard seed at the end of three years storage under ambient conditions.

3. MATERIAL AND METHODS
Experiments were conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Seed Science
and Technology, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad to
standardize the procedure for seed testing and to study the storability of the selected
medicinal plants viz., Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera),
Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) and Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). The experiment
was conducted during the period of August 2007 to May 2008.
The details of the materials used and methods adopted for the conduct of various
experiments are described below.
3.1 Source of seeds
Freshly harvested seeds of Tulsi were collected from the Aromatic and Medicinal
Plants Division, Saidapur Farm, Dharwad. Old seeds of Tulsi, old and fresh seeds of
Ashwagandha, Kalmegh from the Department of Horticulture, University of Agricultural
Sciences, Dharwad and Periwinkle seeds from the College of Horticulture, Arabhavi.
The seeds were cleaned and dried to an optimum moisture level and then used for
the study. The characteristic features of the seed and plants selected for the study are given
below.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Tulsi belongs to the family Laminaceae, occurs in nature as a tetraploid (2n = 48). It
is a large herbaceous, erect, strongly aromatic, annual herb, about 30 to 90 cm height. The
leaves are opposite, ovate to lanceolate (3.75 to 5.00 cm long), entire or obviate, the surfaces
are glabrous, the petioles very slender and usually slightly hairy. The flowers are 0.75 to 1.25
cm long, borne on long-terminal racemose inflorescence, simple or much branched.
The calyx is five toothed, the upper tooth is rounded and shorter than the others and
two lower teeth are ovate and lanceolate with a brittle point, 2-laterals shorter than the lower.
The corolla is 0.72 to 1.25 cm long white, pink or pale purplish 2-lipped tube, short and the
upper lip equally A-lobed. There are four protruding stamens. The ovary is bicarpellary,
syncarpous and bicolour, the stigma is biffed, the fruits are nutlets and are mucilaginous when
wet.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal.)
It belongs to the family Solanaceae, this is an erect, herbaceous, evergreen,
tomentose, shrub and 130 to 150 cm height. All its parts are clothed with whitish, stellate
hairs. Branching is extensive, the leaf is ovate, thin its base is cuneate and is densely hairy
beneath. The flowers are bisexual, greenish or lucid yellow, axillary and in clusters of about
25 forming umbellate cymes, sessile or sub sessible. The fruit is a berry, 7 mm across, red,
globose, smooth, enclosed in an inflated, membranous, somewhat 5-angled, pubescent,
persistent calyx. The fruits turn orange red in colour when they mature. The seeds are yellow
in colour and reniform in shape. The flowering season is from July to September and the ripe
fruits are available in December.
Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
It belongs to the family Apocynaceae. The two genera cartheranthus and vinca bear
resemblance in this floral structures, each having funnel shaped corolla and epipetalous
stamens. The generic name cartharanthus came in the year 1935.
It is an erect, highly branched perennial herb than grows to a height of one meter.
Leaves are oblong or obviate, opposite, short petioled and smooth with entire margin, upper
leaf surface is deeper green than the lower surface, stomata occur on both surfaces.

Plate.1. Different medicinal plants selected for the study

Plate.2. Nursery establishment of medicinal plants

Flowers are pink, white or white with a purple spot at centre and are borne in axils, in
pairs, calyx lobes are linear – subulate and corolla tube. A column like nectarium on both
sides of pistil and a secretary eringulam circling papillate stigma are also present. Ovary is
bicarpellary with a distally fused style and stigma that is ascribed to post – genital carpel
fusion. Fruit is a dehiscent follicle, in pairs, each measuring 25 mm in length and containing
about 30 number of linearly arranged seeds with a thin black legumen.
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
It belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is distributed in tropical Asia. It is small, erect
and branched, herbaceous to semi woody annual. It is thickened at lower nodes,
quadrangular and bearing long, divaricate branches. Leaves are opposite, lanceolate, entire,
dark, green above and pale beneath. Flowers are numerous, distantly arranged in a much
branched cymose panicle with small bracts. Calyx has five linear segments, corolla is rose
coloured and two lipped, upper lip arched and bifid and lower lip divided into three short acute
lobes. Stamens are two in number, inserted in the throat of corolla with flattened filaments,
with a large tuft of hairs, beneath the 2-celled anthers. Ovary is small, laterally compressed
with an annual disc 2-celled with a few ovules in each cell, style is long and stigma, slightly
bifid. Fruits are dehiscent oblong or linear, acute, compressed and two celled. Seeds are 6 to
10 in number, round to ovoid, slightly compressed and yellowish.
3.2 Experiment-I : Standardization of the suitable media,
temperature, light requirement and duration
on germination in Tulsi, Ashwagandha,
Periwinkle and Kalmegh seeds
3.2.1 Initial evaluation of seed quality
The cleaned and dried seeds of selected medicinal crops were initially evaluated for
quality attributes like test weight, germination and seed health.
3.2.1.1 Thousand seed weight
One thousand seeds of eight replicates were selected randomly in each selected
species of medicinal crops and weighed upto three decimals and the mean weight was
estimated as per Anon. (1996). The heterogeneity test was also performed to check the
sampling error, if any.
3.2.1.2 Seed germination (%)
The standard germination test was conducted for untreated seeds by employing
between paper method as prescribed by Anon. (1996). The germination counts were taken
everyday until the completion of germination. The cumulative percentage of germination was
calculated on the basis of number of seedlings germinated on each day. And fresh
ungerminated and hard seeds were identified and expressed in percentage.
3.2.1.3 Seed health (%)
Presence or absence of seed mycoflora was studied by using blotter method. Twenty
five seeds of four replicates from each treatment were placed at an equal distance in sterile
glass petriplates lined with two moist blotters. The plates were incubated for one week at
room temperature. After incubation, seeds were evaluated for the presence of mycoflora
grown on seed with the help of a stereoscope binocular microscope and the frequency of
incidence was expressed in percentage.
3.2.2 Standardization of germination procedures
After recording the initial observations, the seeds of the selected medicinal crops
were used for standardization of germination procedures by using different substrata, various
temperatures, altering light and pre-treatment with KNO3.

3.2.2.1 Design and layout
For the standardization of germination procedures, the treatment combinations were
used as follows.
Factor-1 : Method/substrata – Three
M 1 : Between paper (BP)
M2 : Top of paper (TP)
M3 : Sand (S)
Factor-2 : Temperature – Four
T 1 : Constant temperature of 15 0 C
T2 : Constant temperature of 20 0 C
T3 : Constant temperature of 25 0 C
T4 : Alternate temperature of 20 – 30 0 C
Factor-3 : Light duration and chemical
L1 : 24 hours light
L2 : Dark with KNO3 (0.2%)
L 3 : Dark without KNO 3
Treatment combinations (3 × 4 × 3) = 36
M1T1L1 M2T1L1 M3T1L1
M1T1L2 M2T1L2 M3T1L2
M1T1L3 M2T1L3 M3T1L3
M 1T 2L 1 M 2T 2L 1 M 3T 2L 1
M1T2L2 M2T2L2 M3T2L2
M1T2L3 M2T2L3 M3T2L3
M1T3L1 M2T3L1 M3T3L1
M 1T 3L 2 M 2T 3L 2 M 3T 3L 2
M1T3L3 M2T3L3 M3T3L3
M1T4L1 M2T4L1 M3T4L1
M1T4L2 M2T4L2 M3T4L2
M 1T 4L 3 M 2T 4L 3 M 3T 4L 3
Design : Completely Randomized Design in Factorial concept
Replications : Four

3.2.2.2 Conduct of experiment
In the germinator, germination test was conducted and it is maintained at required
light/chemical (KNO3), substrata, and temperatures. Alternating temperature was done by
providing high temperature for eight hours and low temperature for 16 hours in 24 hours
cycle. The germination paper used for tests was as per ISTA specifications (Anon., 1985).
The paper used for the study was porous and free from toxic chemicals and water soluble
dyes.
a) Between paper method (BP)
Hundred seeds of four replications were placed between two moist germination
papers and they are rolled. The rolled towels were placed in the germinator in slant position at
required temperature according to the treatment.
b) Top of paper method (TP)
Moist germination paper was placed at the bottom of glass petridish of 20 cm
diameter. Eight replications of 50 seeds each were placed for germination. Evaporation loss
was minimized by covering a lid on the petrisdish. These petridishes were placed in the
germinator with the required temperature according to the treatment.
c) Sand medium (S)
The sand was used as a medium and it was sieved through 0.05 mm diameter mesh
and washed repeatedly in running water and sterilized in hot air oven as specified by ISTA.
The sand was filled in plastic bread box measuring 20 × 10 × 19 cm each holding about 2.5
kg of sand. The sand was moistened with 450 ml of water. Fifty seeds were placed at equal
distance on a layer of moist sand and covered with a thin layer of sand. Eight replications
were kept and maintained at required temperature in the germinator according to the
treatments.
3.2.2.3 Seed treatment
3.2.2.3.1 Seed treatment for standardization of seed testing procedures
Seeds of selected medicinal plants were treated with KNO3 @ 0.02 per cent for 24
hours including both old seeds and freshly harvested seeds.
3.2.2.3.2 Seed treatment of aged and freshly harvested seeds for storage
Seeds of selected medicinal plants were treated with GA 3 @ 250 ppm for 24 hours,
kinetin @ 0.2 per cent, KNO3 (250 ppm), vermiwash 25 ml per g of seeds and cow urine 25
ml per g of seeds for 24 hours to old as well as freshly harvested seeds. Cold stratification
treatments were given to both seeds at 4 0 C temperature in refrigerator for 3 to 7 days.
3.2.2.4 Observations recorded
3.2.2.4.1 Germination percentage
Under each treatment, germination of seeds was recorded everyday as daily
germination count and continued until no further increase in the germination percentage for all
the species. Radical of seeds protruded about 2 mm out of seed coat were considered as
germinated in the between paper and top of paper method. But, in sand media emergence of
the cotyledonary leaves from out of sand was considered as germinated.
3.2.2.4.2 Speed of germination
Speed of germination was calculated from Bartlett’s Rate Index (Bartlett, 1973), which
was worked out from the daily germination counts and determined as follows.

Where,
BRI =
P1 + P2 + P3 -----and Pn are the germination per cent at 1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd and n th day,
respectively.
‘N’ is the total number of days taken for germination.
3.2.2.4.3 Number of days taken for first count
The first count of germination was fixed based on the 50 per cent of germination out
of the total number of seeds germinated.
3.2.2.4.4 Number of days taken for final count
The final count of germination was fixed based on the 100 per cent germination out of
total germinating ability.
3.2.2.4.5 Root length (cm)
Ten normal seedlings from each of the replication from germination test were
removed carefully and used for measuring root length. Root length was measured in
centimeters from the collar region to the tip of main root with the help of scale. The average of
ten seedling roots was computed and expressed in centimeters.
3.2.2.4.6 Shoot length (cm)
Ten normal seedlings of each replication were taken and shoot length was measured
in centimeters from collar region to the tip of the shoot and average of ten seedlings were
computed.
3.2.2.4.7 Vigour index of seedling
Vigour index of seedling was calculated by adopting the method suggested by Abdul-
Baki and Anderson (1973) and expressed in number.
Seedling vigour index (SVI) = Germination (%) × [Root length + Shoot length (cm)]
3.2.2.4.8 Seedling dry weight (mg)
Dry weight of seedlings were recorded after drying them in the hot air oven at 70 0 C
for 48 hours and they are cooled by keeping in a disiccator for one hour and the average dry
weight of the seedlings was expressed in milligrams.
3.3 Experiment-II : Effect of seed treatment on enhancing
germination in Tulsi, Ashwagandha,
Periwinkle and Kalmegh seeds during
storage
Selected medicinal crop seeds were dried to optimum moisture content of less than
nine per cent. Then packed in polythene bag or cover and stored under ambient conditions of
Dharwad. The samples were drawn at monthly interval and evaluated for seed quality
attributes without giving any further treatment to the seeds.
3.3.1 Design and layout
P1 + (P1 + P2) + (P1 + P2 + P3) + ------- + (P1 + P2 + P3 + ----- + Pn)
N (P 1 + P 2 + P 3 + ------- + Pn)
For the storage of seeds, treatment combinations are as follows.

Factor-I : Source of seeds – (S) : Two
S1 : Fresh seeds
S2 : Old seeds
Factor-II : Pre-storage treatment – (T) : Seven
T 1 : GA 3 (250 ppm)
T2 : Kinetin (0.2%)
T3 : KNO3 (250 ppm)
T4 : Vermiwash (10%)
T 5 : Cow urine (10%)
T6 : Cold stratification
T7 : Control
Treatment combinations = (2 × 7) = 14
S1T1
S 1T 2
S1T3
S1T4
S1T5
S 1T 6
S1T7
S2T1
S 2T 2
S2T3
S2T4
S2T5
S 2T 6
S2T7
Design : Completely Randomized Design in Factorial concept
Replications : Four
3.3.2 Observations recorded
3.3.2.1 Germination percentage
Germination test was conducted as per procedure given in the section 3.2.2.4.1.
3.3.2.2 Root length (cm)
Root length was recorded as per the procedure given in section 3.2.2.4.5.
3.3.2.3 Shoot length (cm)
Shoot length was recorded as per the procedure given in section 3.2.2.4.6.
3.3.2.4 Seedling vigour index
Seedling vigour index was computed as per the procedure given in 3.2.2.4.8.

3.3.2.5 Electrical conductivity (dS/m)
Electrical conductivity of seed leachate was determined by taking ten gram of seeds
of each species randomly in four replications and soaked in 25 ml of distilled water for 18
hours at 25 + 1 0 C. After incubation, the seed leachate was decanted and the conductivity was
measured by digital conductivity meter maintained at and expressed in dS per m.
3.3.2.6 Nursery establishment
Hundred seeds of each treatment in old and new seeds of four crops are selected
randomly in four replications to study establishment of crops in field. The seeds were sown in
well prepared black soil. Field emergence count was taken on the 15 th day after sowing and
the emergence percentage was calculated taking into account the number of seedlings
emerged 3 cm above the soil surface.
3.3.2.7 Seed health
Seed health was determined by sterilizing the seeds with 0.2 per cent sodium
hypochlorite for two minutes and they were placed on moistened blotters at 20 mm apart in
sterilized glass petridishes. Then were incubated for nine days at 25 0 C and examined under
sterio binocular microscope for the presence of mycoflora. Incidence of mycoflora was
expressed in percentage.
3.4 Statistical analysis
The data obtained were statistically analyzed as per the methods outlined by
Sundararaj et al. (1972) adopting Fisher’s Analysis of Variance Techniques. Critical difference
(CD) values were computed at 5 per cent level whenever ‘F’ test was significant. Germination
percentage (original values) were transformed into arc sine root transformation. The
transformed values were used for statistical analysis.

4. EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
The results of the laboratory experiments conducted during 2007-08 with a view to
standardize the effect of media, temperature, light and its duration involving three media, four
temperature levels, three light treatments and effect of seed treatment on storability of fresh
and old seeds of Ocimum sanctum, Withania somnifera, Catharanthus roses and
Andrographis paniculata are presented in this chapter.
4.1 Experiment-I : Standardization of the suitable media,
temperature, light requirement and duration on
germination in Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Periwinkle
and Kalmegh seeds
4.1.1 Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
4.1.1.1 Germination percentage
Data on seed germination percentage parameters are presented in Table 1. Media
influenced significantly on germination percentage of Tulsi seeds. The highest germination
(65.63%) was noticed in top of paper method (M2) followed by between paper method (M1)
(59.58%) and the lowest germination (55.47%) was noticed in sand media.
Effect of temperature was significant for seed germination in Tulsi. The alternate
temperature (20/30 0 C) (T4) recorded highest germination (76.59%) followed by 25 0 C (T3)
(68.56%) and 20 0 C (T2) (54.78%). The lowest germination (40.97%) was noticed at 15 0 C (T1).
Light treatment showed significant effect on germination of Tulsi seeds. In presence
of light for 24 hours (L1) highest germination (65.18%) was recorded, followed by dark with
KNO3 (L2) (61.52%) and the lowest germination (53.98%) was registered in dark without
KNO3.
Interaction effects among media, temperature and light are given in Table 1a. Media
and temperature interaction revealed the superiority on top of paper method at 20/30 0 C
(M2T4), which recorded significantly highest germination (81.40%). The lowest seed
germination (36.83%) was recorded in sand media at 15 0 C (M3T1).
Seed germination in media and light interaction was found significantly highest
(69.30%) on top of paper at 24 hours light (M2L1). While, lowest germination (46.88%) was
recorded in sand at dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
Interaction between temperature and light showed the significant effect for
germination percentage. Light for 24 hours in alternate temperature of 20/30 0 C (T 4L 1)
recorded the highest germination of 81.50 per cent and dark without KNO3 at 15 0 C (T1L3)
recorded the lowest germination (35.37%).
Among the interactions of media, temperature and light, top of paper method with
20/30 0 C alternate temperature at 24 hours light (M 2T 4L 1) recorded highest germination of
84.80 per cent and the lowest germination (30.40%) was registered by sand at 15 0 C in dark
without KNO3 (M3T1L3).
4.1. 1.2 Speed of germination
The significantly higher speed of germination (0.222) was registered in top of paper
method (M2) followed by between paper method (M1), which showed (0.196) and the lowest
speed of germination (0.173) was recorded in sand media (M3) (Table 1).
The alternate temperature 20/30 0 C (T4) recorded significantly higher speed of
germination (0.322), followed by 25 0 C (T 3) (0.157). The lowest speed of germination (0.090)
was observed at 15 0 C (T1).

Significant effect was found for light treatment where highest speed of germination
(0.243) was observed at 24 hours light (L1) followed by dark with KNO3 (L2) which recorded
(0.202) and dark without KNO3 (L3) treatment showed lowest (0.146) speed of germination.
The interaction of media and temperature exhibited significantly higher speed of
germination (0.350) in top of paper method at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M 2T 4). While,
the lowest (0.080) was recorded in sand media at 15 0 C (M3T1) (Table 1a).
Media and light interaction showed significantly higher speed of germination (0.270)
on top of paper method with 24 hours light (M2L1) and the lowest (0.120) was observed in
sand at dark without KNO 3 (M 3L 3).
Temperature and light interaction showed significantly higher speed of germination
(0.380) was recorded at alternate temperature 20/30 0 C in presence of light for 24 hours (T4L1)
and light interaction and the lowest (0.050) was observed in dark without KNO3 at 15 0 C (T1L3).
Media, temperature and light interaction recorded in top of paper method at 20/30 0 C
alternate temperature in 24 hours light (M2T4L1) registered the highest speed of germination
(0.400) and light interaction and the lowest (0.040) was recorded by sand at 15 0 C in dark
without KNO3 (M3T1L3).
4.1.1.3 First count (days)
Germination media influenced significantly on days required for first count. Significant
higher number of days (7.45) recorded in sand (M3) followed by between paper (M1) (6.46
days) and lowest number of days in top of paper (M2) (6.08 days) for days to first count (Table
1).
Temperature effect was significant for days to first count, 15 0 C (T1) recorded more
number of days (8.14) followed by 20 0 C (T2) (7.87 days) and 25 0 C (T3) (5.78 days). Less
number of days (4.87) was recorded at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4).
Significant difference was observed in the light treatment, which recorded more
number of days (12.58) in dark without KNO3 (L3) followed by dark without KNO3 (L2) (11.80
days) and less number of days (11.06) was recorded in 24 hours light (L1).
The interaction of media and temperature revealed that more number of days (8.87)
was observed in sand at 15 0 C (M 3T 1). The less number of days (4.33) was recorded in top of
paper method at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M2T4) (Table 1a).
Media and light interaction showed that maximum number of days (8.55) was noticed
in sand at dark without KNO3 (M3L3). Whereas, minimum number of days (5.35) was
registered in top of paper method at 24 hours light (M 2L 1).
Significantly number of days (9.03) was noticed at 15 0 C in dark without KNO3 (T1L3)
in temperature and light interaction. The lowest number of days (3.93) was observed at 24
hours light in 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4L1).
Among the interactions of media, temperature and light, more number of days (9.9)
recorded by sand at 15 0 C in dark without KNO3 (M3T1L3) and the less number of days (3.4)
was noticed on top of paper at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in 24 hours light (M2T4L1).
4.1.1.4 Final count (days)
The significant difference was observed among the media. More number of days
(12.4) was taken in sand (M3) followed by between paper method (M1) (11.69 days), while
less number of days (11.34) was recorded in top of paper method (M2) (Table 1).
At 15 0 C temperature (T1) significantly more number of days (13.19) was noticed
followed by 20 0 C (T2) (12.74 days) and 25 0 C (T3) (11.10 days). On the contrary, less number
of days (10.21) was recorded in 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4).

Light treatment showed significant difference. Dark without KNO 3 (L 3) recorded
highest number of days (12.58) followed by dark with KNO3 (L2) (11.80 days). Whereas,
lowest number of days (11.06) was reported in 24 hours light (L1).
Media and temperature interaction revealed that more number of days (13.93) was
registered in sand at 15 0 C (M 3T 1). And the less number of days (9.67) was observed in top of
paper at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M2T4) (Table 1a).
Interaction between media and light reported that highest number of days (13.13) was
noticed by sand in dark without KNO3 (M3L3). While, the days taken for final count was lowest
(10.55 days) in top of paper at 24 hours light (M 2L 1).
More number of days (13.93) was observed in dark without KNO3 at 15 0 C (T1L3)
through temperature and light interaction. Whereas, less number of days (9.30) was
registered in 24 hours light at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4L1).
The interaction of media, temperature and light exhibits maximum number of days
(14.7) by sand at 15 0 C in dark without KNO3 (M3T1L3), while the minimum number of days
(8.7) was recorded by top of paper at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in 24 hours light
(M2T4L1).
4.1.1.5 Root length (cm)
Significant difference was observed among the medias for root length of seedling.
Highest root length (1.65 cm) was noticed in top of paper method (M2) followed by between
paper (M1) (1.36 cm) and the lowest (1.04 cm) was recorded in sand media (M3) (Table 1).
At 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T 4) significantly highest root length (1.70 cm) was
observed followed by 25 0 C (T3) (1.47 cm) and 20 0 C (T2) (1.22 cm). The lowest root length
(1.02 cm) was noticed in 15 0 C (T1).
The significantly higher root length (1.73 cm) was recorded in 24 hours light (L1)
followed by dark with KNO3 (L2) (1.34 cm). Whereas, lowest root length (0.98 cm) was noticed
in dark without KNO3 (L3).
The interaction of media and temperature noticed higher root length (1.90 cm) in top
of paper at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M2T4). Lowest root length (0.63 cm) was observed
in sand at 15 0 C (M 3T 1) (Table 1a).
Media and light interaction revealed that maximum root length (1.95 cm) in top of
paper method at 24 hours light (M2L1). Whereas, lowest root length (0.73 cm) was recorded
by sand in dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
Highest root length (2.03 cm) was observed in 24 hours light at 20/30 0 C alternate
temperature (T4L1) in temperature and light interaction, while the lowest (0.63 cm) was
noticed in dark without KNO3 at 15 0 C (T1L3).
Among the interaction of media, temperature and light the maximum root length (2.20
cm) was registered by top of paper at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in 24 hours light
(M2T4L1) and the minimum root length (0.20 cm) was recorded by sand at 15 0 C in dark
without KNO3 (M3T1L3).
4.1.1.6 Shoot length (cm)
Shoot length recorded significantly high (3.38 cm) on top of paper method (M 2)
followed by between paper (M1) (3.01 cm), while the lowest shoot length (2.48 cm) was
noticed in sand media (M3) (Table 1).
At 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) significantly highest shoot length (3.62 cm) was
observed followed by 25 0 C (T3) (3.22 cm) and 20 0 C (T2) (2.82 cm). The lowest shoot length
(2.16 cm) was recorded at 15 0 C (T1).

In presence of light for 24 hours (L 1) maximum shoot length (3.45 cm) was recorded,
followed by dark with KNO3 (L2) (3.05 cm) and the lowest shoot length (2.37 cm) was
observed in dark without KNO3 (L3).
The interaction of media and temperature revealed that higher shoot length (3.90 cm)
was observed on top of paper at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M 2T 4). While, the lowest
(1.50 cm) was recorded by sand media at 15 0 C constant temperature (M3T1) (Table 1a).
The highest shoot length (3.85 cm) was recorded in top of paper at 24 hours light
(M2L1) in media and light interaction. Whereas, the lowest (1.83 cm) was noticed by sand in
dark without KNO 3 (M 3L 3).
The interaction of temperature and light showed higher shoot length (4.13 cm) at
20/30 0 C alternate temperature in 24 hours light (T4L1) and lowest (1.70 cm) was registered at
15 0 C in dark without KNO3 (T1L3).
Media, temperature and light interactions exhibited maximum shoot length (4.4 cm) in
top of paper at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in 24 hours light (M2T4L1). On the other hand
minimum shoot length (1.0 cm) was recorded by sand at 15 0 C constant temperature in dark
without KNO3 (M3T1L3).
4.1.1.7 Seedling vigour index (SVI)
The seedling vigour index was highest (340) on top of paper method (M2), followed by
between paper (M1) (276). Whereas, lowest (212) was registered by sand media (M3)
(Table 1).
The alternate temperature 20/30 0 C (T 4) noticed higher seedling vigour index (413)
followed by constant temperature 25 0 C (T3) (327) and 20 0 C (T2) (227). The lowest seedling
vigour index (136) was observed at 15 0 C (T1).
At 24 hour light (L1) higher seedling vigour index (350) was recorded followed by dark
with KNO3 (L2) (285) and lowest seedling vigour index (194) was observed in dark without
KNO3 (L3).
At media and temperature interaction (Table 1a), top of paper at 20/30 0 C alternate
temperature (M2T4) exhibited higher seedling vigour index (475) and the lowest (82) was
registered by sand in 15 0 C constant temperature (M 3T 1).
The media and light interaction revealed that higher seedling vigour index (410) was
recorded on top of paper at 24 hours light (M2L1). While, the lowest (131) was observed by
sand in dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
Temperature and light interaction exhibited highest seedling vigour index (504) in 24
hours light at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4L1). Whereas, the lowest seedling vigour
index (87) was recorded at 15 0 C constant temperature in dark without KNO3 (T1L3).
Higher seedling vigour index (560) was noticed by top of paper at 20/30 0 C alternate
temperature in 24 hours light (M 2T 4L 1) in media, temperature and light interaction and by sand
at 15 0 C constant temperature in dark without KNO3 (M3T1L3) recorded lowest seedling vigour
index (36).
4.1.1.8 Seedling dry weight (mg/10 seedlings)
Seedling dry weight was significantly high (3.94 mg) on top of paper (M 2) followed by
3.42 mg in between paper (M1) and lowest (3.0 mg) was recorded in sand media (M3)
(Table 1).
Seedling dry weight was significantly higher (4.16 mg) at alternate temperature
20/30 0 C (T4) followed by 25 0 C (T3) 3.53 mg and 20 0 C (T2) 3.37 mg. The lowest (2.75 mg) was
observed at 15 0 C constant temperature (T1) among all the temperature.

Table 1: Standardization of seed testing procedures in Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) seeds
Treatments
Media
Germination
(%)
Speed of
germination
First
count
(days)
Final
count
(days)
Root
length
(cm)
Shoot
length
(cm)
Seedling
vigour
index
Seedling
dry
weight
(mg)
M1 59.58 (50.78)* 0.196 6.46 11.69 1.36 3.01 276 3.42
M 2 65.63 (54.49) 0.222 6.08 11.34 1.65 3.38 341 3.94
M3 55.47 (48.28) 0.173 7.45 12.40 1.04 2.48 212 3.00
SEm+ 0.35 0.001 0.03 0.04 0.01 0.02 2.42 0.01
CD (5%) 0.99 0.004 0.09 0.13 0.03 0.06 6.83 0.03
Temperature
T1 40.97 (39.73) 0.090 8.14 13.19 1.02 2.16 136 2.75
T2 54.78 (47.74) 0.157 7.87 12.74 1.22 2.82 227 3.37
T 3 68.56 (55.99) 0.219 5.78 11.10 1.47 3.22 327 3.53
T4 76.59 (61.26) 0.322 4.87 10.21 1.70 3.62 413 4.16
SEm+ 0.41 0.002 0.04 0.04 0.01 0.02 2.79 0.01
CD (5%) 1.15 0.006 0.10 0.12 0.04 0.08 7.88 0.04
Light and chemical (KNO3)
L1 65.18 (54.24) 0.243 5.80 11.06 1.73 3.45 350 3.85
L2 61.52 (51.95) 0.202 6.48 11.80 1.34 3.05 285 3.50
L 3 53.98 (47.35) 0.146 7.71 12.58 0.098 2.37 194 3.01
SEm+ 0.35 0.001 0.03 0.04 0.01 0.02 2.42 0.01
CD (5%) 0.99 0.004 0.09 0.13 0.03 0.06 6.83 0.03
Interaction effects (S x T)
M × T
SEm+ 0.70 0.003 0.06 0.07 0.02 0.04 4.84 0.01
CD (5%) 1.98 0.009 0.18 0.20 0.06 0.13 13.66 0.03
M × L
SEm+ 0.61 0.003 0.05 0.06 0.02 0.04 4.20 0.01
CD (5%) 1.72 0.009 0.15 0.17 0.06 0.12 11.83 0.03
T × L
SEm+ 0.70 0.003 0.06 0.07 0.02 0.04 4.84 0.01
CD (5%) 1.98 0.009 0.18 0.20 0.06 0.13 13.66 0.03
M × T × L
SEm+ 1.22 0.005 0.11 0.12 0.04 0.08 8.39 0.02
CD (5%) 3.43 0.014 0.31 0.35 0.11 0.24 23.66 0.06
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
M1 : Between paper M2 : Top paper M3 : Sand
T1 : 15 0 C T2 : 20 0 C T3 : 25 0 C T4 : 20 – 30 0 C
L1 : Light L2 : Dark with KNO3 (0.2%) L3 : Dark without KNO3 (0.2%)

Table 1a: Interaction effects of media, temperature, light and seed treatment on seed quality parameters of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) seeds
Treatment
combination
M × T
Germination
(%)
Speed of
germination
First count
(days)
Final count
(days)
Root length
(cm)
Shoot length
(cm)
Seedling
vigour index
Seedling dry
weight (mg)
M1T1 39.57 (38.93)* 0.085 7.97 12.97 1.03 2.17 131 2.64
M1T2 53.37 (46.92) 0.153 7.63 12.57 1.27 2.97 230 3.30
M1T3 68.33 (55.80) 0.223 5.57 11.13 1.40 3.20 318 3.38
M1T4 77.03 (61.47) 0.323 4.67 10.10 1.76 3.70 424 4.36
M2T1 46.50 (42.97) 0.106 7.60 12.67 1.40 2.80 197 3.42
M2T2 61.43 (51.60) 0.183 7.33 12.23 1.50 3.20 291 3.71
M2T3 73.17 (58.85) 0.248 5.07 10.81 1.80 3.63 400 4.02
M2T4 81.40 (64.52) 0.350 4.33 9.67 1.90 3.90 475 4.62
M3T1 36.83 (37.31) 0.078 8.87 13.93 0.63 1.50 82 2.17
M3T2 49.53 (44.71) 0.135 8.63 13.43 0.90 2.30 163 3.10
M3T3 64.17 (53.31) 0.186 6.70 11.37 1.20 2.83 264 3.20
M3T4 71.33 (57.81) 0.294 5.60 10.87 1.44 3.27 341 3.52
SEm+ 0.70 0.003 0.06 0.07 0.02 0.04 4.84 0.01
CD at 5% 1.98 0.009 0.18 0.20 0.06 0.13 13.66 0.03
M × L
M1L1 64.73 (53.93) 0.242 5.55 10.88 1.83 3.48 353 3.81
M1L2 60.53 (51.37) 0.204 6.23 11.75 1.32 3.13 283 3.49
M1L3 53.48 (47.03) 0.142 7.60 12.45 0.95 2.43 191 2.96
M2L1 69.30 (56.87) 0.268 5.35 10.55 1.95 3.85 410 4.37
M2L2 66.00 (54.69) 0.223 5.93 11.33 1.73 3.45 351 3.99
M2L3 61.58 (51.90) 0.174 6.98 12.16 1.28 2.85 260 3.47
M3L1 61.50 (51.92) 0.219 6.50 11.75 1.43 3.03 287 3.37
M3L2 58.03 (49.80) 0.179 7.30 12.33 0.98 2.58 220 3.01
M3L3 46.88 (43.12) 0.122 8.55 13.13 0.73 1.83 131 2.61
SEm+ 0.61 0.003 0.05 0.06 0.02 0.04 4.20 0.01
CD at 5% 1.72 0.009 0.15 0.17 0.06 0.12 11.83 0.03
Contd…..

Treatment
combination
T × L
Germination
(%)
Speed of
germination
First count
(days)
Final count
(days)
Root length
(cm)
Shoot length
(cm)
Seedling
vigour index
Seedling dry
weight (mg)
T1L1 45.60 (42.45) 0.121 7.33 12.57 1.43 2.60 186 3.13
T1L2 41.93 (40.32) 0.094 8.07 13.07 1.00 2.17 136 2.77
T1L3 35.37 (36.42) 0.054 9.03 13.93 0.63 1.70 87 2.34
T2L1 59.30 (50.36) 0.199 7.03 12.13 1.67 3.40 302 3.86
T2L2 55.23 (48.00) 0.156 7.73 12.73 1.17 2.90 227 3.40
T2L3 49.80 (44.87) 0.116 8.83 13.37 0.83 2.17 153 2.86
T3L1 74.30 (59.57) 0.272 4.90 10.23 1.80 3.67 408 3.95
T3L2 70.13 (56.87) 0.228 5.50 11.20 1.40 3.37 336 3.55
T3L3 61.23 (51.53) 0.157 6.93 11.88 1.20 2.63 238 3.10
T4L1 81.50 (64.58) 0.379 3.93 9.30 2.03 4.13 504 4.48
T4L2 78.77 (62.62) 0.330 4.63 10.20 1.79 3.77 439 4.27
T4L3 69.50 (56.59) 0.258 6.03 11.13 1.27 2.97 297 3.74
SEm+ 0.70 0.003 0.06 0.07 0.02 0.04 4.84 0.01
CD at 5% 1.98 0.009 0.18 0.20 0.06 0.13 13.66 0.03
M × T × L
M1T1L1 45.20 (42.23) 0.110 7.10 12.30 1.50 2.70 190 3.08
M1T1L2 40.40 (39.45) 0.091 7.90 12.90 1.00 2.10 125 2.74
M1T1L3 33.10 (35.10) 0.054 8.90 13.70 0.60 1.70 76 2.11
M1T2L1 53.10 (49.93) 0.199 6.80 11.90 1.10 3.50 311 3.28
M1T2L2 48.40 (46.76) 0.154 7.40 12.60 0.90 3.10 223 2.81
M1T2L3 64.70 (44.06) 0.106 8.70 13.20 1.90 2.30 155 4.26
M1T3L1 61.60 (59.13) 0.277 4.60 10.20 1.00 3.60 406 2.94
M1T3L2 78.40 (56.59) 0.236 5.20 11.30 2.00 3.40 327 4.41
M1T3L3 72.70 (51.69) 0.157 6.90 11.90 1.80 2.60 222 4.09
M1T4L1 84.80 (64.43) 0.383 3.70 9.10 2.20 4.10 505 4.96
M1T4L2 82.30 (62.70) 0.334 4.40 10.20 2.10 3.90 455 4.68
M1T4L3 77.10 (57.28) 0.251 5.90 11.00 1.40 3.10 311 4.21
M2T1L1 49.30 (44.58) 0.146 7.00 12.10 1.70 3.20 241 3.86
M2T1L2 47.60 (43.61) 0.103 7.50 12.50 1.40 2.80 200 3.40
M2T1L3 42.60 (40.73) 0.068 8.30 13.40 1.10 2.40 149 3.01
M2T2L1 61.40 (53.53) 0.225 6.70 11.60 1.60 3.70 362 3.77
M2T2L2 58.20 (51.57) 0.181 7.20 12.30 1.00 3.20 295 3.09
M2T2L3 54.60 (49.70) 0.144 8.10 12.80 1.30 2.70 215 3.50
Contd…..

Treatment Germination Speed of First count Final count Root length Shoot length Seedling Seedling dry
combination (%) germination (days) (days) (cm)
(cm) vigour index weight (mg)
M2T3L2 70.80 (58.48) 0.253 4.80 10.90 1.50 3.70 400 3.58
M2T3L3 68.00 (55.79) 0.192 6.10 11.73 1.10 3.10 321 3.21
M2T4L1 78.30 (67.06) 0.402 3.40 8.70 1.80 4.40 560 3.97
M2T4L2 75.10 (65.10) 0.356 4.20 9.60 1.40 4.10 510 3.54
M2T4L3 45.20 (61.40) 0.293 5.40 10.70 1.50 3.20 354 3.08
M3T1L1 42.30 (40.55) 0.106 7.90 13.30 1.10 1.90 127 2.44
M3T1L2 37.80 (37.92) 0.087 8.80 13.80 0.60 1.60 83 2.16
M3T1L3 58.60 (33.45) 0.041 9.90 14.70 1.80 1.00 36 3.81
M3T2L1 51.20 (47.62) 0.174 7.60 12.90 0.80 3.00 235 3.14
M3T2L2 73.70 (45.67) 0.132 8.60 13.30 1.90 2.40 164 3.85
M3T2L3 69.70 (40.84) 0.098 9.70 14.10 1.30 1.50 90 3.35
M3T3L1 81.40 (57.27) 0.241 5.80 10.70 2.10 3.30 340 4.51
M3T3L2 78.90 (55.56) 0.196 6.50 11.40 1.87 3.00 279 4.59
M3T3L3 70.80 (47.10) 0.121 7.80 12.00 1.30 2.20 172 3.98
M3T4L1 40.40 (62.25) 0.353 4.70 10.10 1.00 3.90 447 2.74
M3T4L2 33.10 (60.07) 0.301 5.30 10.80 0.60 3.30 353 2.11
M3T4L3 49.30 (51.10) 0.229 6.80 11.70 1.70 2.60 225 3.86
Mean 59.68 (51.18) 0.200 6.66 11.81 1.40 2.96 276.17 3.49
SEm+ 1.22 0.005 0.11 0.12 0.04 0.08 8.39 0.02
CD at 5% 3.43 0.014 0.31 0.35 0.11 0.24 23.66 0.06
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
M1 : Between paper M2 : Top paper M3 : Sand
T1 : 15 0 C T2 : 20 0 C T3 : 25 0 C T4 : 20 – 30 0 C
L1 : Light L2 : Dark with KNO3 (0.2%) L3 : Dark without KNO3 (0.2%)

Germination (%)
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
M1T1L1
M1T1L2
M1T1L3
M1T2L1
M1T2L2
M1T2L3
M1T3L1
M1T3L2
M1T3L3
M1T4L1
M1T4L2
M1T4L3
M2T1L1
M2T1L2
M2T1L3
M2T2L1
M2T2L2
M2T2L3
M2T3L1
M2T3L2
Interaction
Fig. 1: Interaction effects on Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) seeds
Fig.1. Interaction effects on Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) seeds
M2T3L3
M2T4L1
M2T4L2
M2T4L3
M3T1L1
M3T1L2
M3T1L3
M3T2L1
M3T2L2
M3T2L3
M3T3L1
M3T3L2
M3T3L3
M3T4L1
M3T4L2
M3T4L3

At 24 hours light (L1) 3.85 mg recorded significantly higher seedling dry weight
followed by 3.50 mg in dark with KNO3 (L2) and the lowest (3.01 mg) was registered by dark
without KNO3 (L3) in light treatment.
The interaction of media and temperature (Table 1a) recorded higher seedling dry
weight (4.62 mg) on top of paper at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M2T4) and 2.17 mg was
the lowest seedling dry weight observed by sand at 15 0 C constant temperature (M3T1).
Top of paper in 24 hours light (M2L1) registered the maximum seedling dry weight
(4.37 mg) in the interaction of media and light. Whereas, minimum seedling dry weight (2.61
mg) was noticed by sand in dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
Temperature and light interaction revealed the higher seedling dry weight (4.48 mg)
at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in 24 hours light (T4L1) and lower seedling dry weight (2.34
mg) was noticed in 15 0 C constant temperature at dark without KNO 3 (T 1L 3).
Among the interaction of media, temperature and light higher seedlig dry weight (4.90
mg) was noticed in top of paper at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in 24 hours light (M 24L 1),
while the lowest seedling dry weight (1.91 mg) was recorded by sand at 15 0 C ind ark without
KNO3 (M3T1L3).
4.1.2 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
4.1.2.1 Germination percentage
Among the media used between paper (M1) recorded significantly higher germination
percentage (72.54) followed by top of paper (M 2) (69.41%) and the lowest (64.77%) was
noticed in sand (M3) (Table 2).
At 25 0 C constant temperature (T 3) significantly higher germination percentage (73.29)
was observed followed by 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) (70.31%) and 20 0 C (T2)
(67.92%). The lowest temperature was recorded at 15 0 C (T1) (64.10%).
Germination was significantly higher (76.63%) recorded at 24 hours light (L1) among
the light treatments followed by dark with KNO3 (L2) (70.41%) and the lowest per cent of
germination (59.68) was registered in dark without KNO3 (L3).
Interaction effects among media, temperature and light are presented in
Table 2a. Media and temperature interaction revealed the superiority in between paper
method at 25 0 C constant temperature (M1T3) recorded significantly highest germination
(76.73%). The lowest seed germination (59.93%) was recorded in sand media at 15 0 C (M3T1).
Seed germination in media and light interaction found significantly highest (80.13%)
in between paper at 24 hours light (M1L1). While, the lowest germination (56.98%) was
recorded by sand media at dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
Interaction between temperature and light showed the significant effect for
germination percentage, 25 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light (T 3L 1) recorded the
highest germination of 82.47 per cent and 15 0 C in dark without KNO3 (T1L3) recorded the
lowest germination (56.83%).
Among the interactions of media, temperature and light between paper method at
25 0 C in 24 hours light (M 1T 3L 1) recorded highest germination of 84.90 per cent and the lowest
germination (54.10%) was registered by sand at 15 0 C in dark without KNO3 (M3T1L3).
4.1.2.2 Speed of germination
The significantly higher speed of germination (0.245) was registered in between
paper method (M 1) followed by top of paper method (M 2), which showed (0.221) and the
lowest (0.204) was recorded in sand media (M3) (Table 2).

The constant temperature of 25 0 C (T 3) recorded significantly higher speed of
germination (0.255) followed by 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) (0.233) and 20 0 C (T2)
(0.212). The lowest (0.194) was observed at 15 0 C (T1).
Significant effect was found in the light treatment where highest speed of germination
(0.266) was observed at 24 hours light (L 1) followed by dark with KNO 3 (L 2) recorded (0.218)
and dark without KNO3 (L3) treatment showed lowest (0.187) speed of germination.
The interaction of media and temperature (Table 2a) revealed that significantly higher
speed of germination (0.276) was recorded in between paper method at 25 0 C constant
temperature (M 1T 3), while the lowest (0.174) was recorded in sand media at 15 0 C (M 3T 1).
Media and light interaction showed significantly higher speed of germination (0.288)
in between paper method at 24 hours light (M1L1) and the lowest (0.170) was observed in
sand at dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
The significantly higher speed of germination (0.299) was recorded at 25 0 C in
presence of light for 24 hours (T3L1) revealed in temperature and light interaction and the
lowest (0.156) was observed at 15 0 C in dark without KNO3 (T1L3).
The between paper method at 25 0 C in 24 hours light (M1T3L1) revealed highest speed
of germination (0.316) through media, temperature and light interaction and the lowest (0.127)
was registered by sand at 15 0 C in dark without KNO3 (M3T1L3).
4.1.2.3 First count (days)
Germination media influenced significantly on days required for first count,
significantly higher number of days (6.73) recorded in sand (M 3), followed by top of paper (M 2)
(6.48 days) and lowest number of days in between paper (M1) (6.19 days) for days to first
count (Table 2).
Temperature effect was significant for days to first count at 15 0 C (T1) recorded more
number of days (6.84) followed by 20 0 C (T2) (6.59 days) and 20/30 0 C alternate temperature
(6.34 days). The less number of days (6.09) was recorded at 25 0 C constant temperature (T3).
Significant difference was observed in the light treatment which recorded more
number of days (7.28) in dark without KNO3 (L3) followed by dark with KNO3 (L2) (6.52 days)
and less number of days (5.60) was recorded in 24 hours light (L 1).
The interaction of media and temperature (Table 2a) revealed that more number of
days (7.10) was observed in sand at 15 0 C (M3T1) and the less number of days (5.80) was
recorded in between paper method at 25 0 C constant temperature (M1T3).
Media and light interaction showed that maximum number of days (7.49) was noticed
in sand at dark without KNO3 (M3L3) and minimum number of days (5.35) was registered in
between paper method at 24 hours light (M1L1).
Significantly higher number of days (7.67) was noticed at 15 0 C in dark without KNO3
(T 1L 3) in temperature and light interaction. The lowest number of days (5.23) was observed at
24 hours light in 25 0 C constant temperature (T3L1).
Among the interaction of media, temperature and light more number of days (7.9)
recorded by sand at 15 0 C in dark without KNO3 (M3T1L3) and the less number of days (4.9)
was noticed in between paper at 25 0 C in 24 hours light (M 1T 3L 1).
4.1.2.4 Final count (days)
The significant difference was observed among the media. More number of days
(10.96) was taken in sand (M3) followed by top of paper method (M2) (10.63), while the less
number of days (10.23) was recorded in between paper method (M 1) (Table 2).

At 15 0 C temperature (T 1) significantly more number of days (11.11) was noticed,
followed by 20 0 C (T2) (10.79 days) and 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) (10.44 days). On
the contrary, less number of days (10.08) was recorded in 25 0 C constant temperature.
Light treatment showed significant difference, dark without KNO3 (L3) recorded
highest number of days (11.38) followed by dark with KNO 3 (L 2) (10.52 days). Whereas,
lowest number of days (9.93) was reported in 24 hours light (L1).
Media and temperature interaction revealed that more number of days (11.50) was
registered in sand at 15 0 C (M3T1) and the less number of days (9.80) was observed in
between paper at 25 0 C constant temperature (M 1T 3).
Interaction between media and light (Table 2a) reported that highest number of days
(11.75) was noticed by sand in dark without KNO3 (M3L3), while the days taken for final count
was lowest (9.60 days) in between paper at 24 hours light (M1L1).
More number of days (11.93) was observed in dark without KNO 3 at 15 0 C (T 1L 3) in
temperature and light interaction. Whereas, the less number of days (9.50) was registered at
25 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light (T3L1).
The interaction of media, temperature and light exhibited maximum number of days
(12.4) by sand at 15 0 C in dark without KNO 3 (M 3T 1L 3), while the minimum number of days
(9.2) was recorded by between paper at 25 0 C in 24 hours light (M1T3L1).
4.1.2.5 Root length (cm)
Significant difference was observed among the media. Highest root length (5.05 cm)
was noticed in between paper method (M 1), followed by top of paper (M 2) (4.46 cm) and the
lowest (4.41 cm) was recorded in sand media (M3) (Table 2).
At 25 0 C constant temperature (T3) significantly higher root length (5.19 cm) was
observed, followed by 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) (4.84 cm) and 20 0 C (T2) (4.56 cm).
The lowest root length (4.21 cm) was noticed in 15 0 C (T 1).
The significantly higher root length (5.51 cm) was recorded in 24 hours light (L1),
followed by dark with KNO3 (L2) (4.73 cm). Whereas, lowest root length (3.86 cm) was noticed
in dark without KNO3 (L3).
The interaction of media and temperature noticed higher root length (5.53 cm) in
between paper at 25 0 C (M3T3). Lowest root length (3.93 cm) was observed in sand at 15 0 C
(M3T1) (Table 2a).
Media and light interaction revealed that maximum root length (5.78 cm) in between
paper method at 24 hours light (M 1L 1). Whereas, lowest root length (3.53 cm) was recorded
by sand in dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
Highest root length (6.00 cm) was observed at 25 0 C in light at 24 hours (T3L1) in
temperature and light interaction and the lowest (3.23 cm) was noticed at 15 0 C in dark without
KNO 3 (T 1L 3).
Among the interactions of media, temperature and light the maximum root length
(6.30 cm) was registered by between paper at 25 0 C in 24 hours light (M1T3L1) and the
minimum root length (2.90 cm) was recorded by sand at 15 0 C in dark without KNO3 (M3T1L3).
4.1.2.6 Shoot length (cm)
Shoot length recorded significantly high (10.06 cm) in between paper method (M1),
followed by top of paper (M2) (9.59 cm), while the lowest shoot length (9.18 cm) was noticed
in sand media (M3) (Table 2).

At 25 0 C constant temperature (T 3) significantly highest shoot length (10.62 cm) was
observed, followed by 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) (9.68 cm) and 20 0 C (T2) (9.24 cm).
The lowest shoot length (8.91 cm) was recorded at 15 0 C (T1).
In presence of light for 24 hours (L1) registered maximum shoot length (10.65 cm)
followed by dark with KNO 3 (L 2) (9.77 cm) and the lowest shoot length (8.42 cm) was
observed in dark without KNO3 (L3).
The interaction of media and temperature (Table 2a) revealed that higher shoot
length (11.23 cm) was observed in between paper at 25 0 C temperature (M1T3), while the
lowest (8.47 cm) was recorded by sand media at 15 0 C constant temperature (M 3T 1).
The highest shoot length (11.05 cm) was recorded in between paper at 24 hours light
(M1L1) in media and light interaction. Whereas, the lowest (7.83 cm) was registered by sand in
dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
The interaction of temperature and light showed that highest shoot length (11.60 cm)
was observed at 25 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light (T3L1) and lowest (7.67 cm) was
noticed at 15 0 C in dark without KNO3 (T1L3).
Media, temperature and light interaction exhibited maximum shoot length (12.10 cm)
in between paper at 25 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light (M 1T 3L 1). On the other hand,
minimum shoot length (7.10 cm) was recorded by sand at 15 0 C constant temperature in dark
without KNO3 (M3T1L3).
4.1.2.7 Seedling vigour index (SVI)
The seedling vigour index recorded highest (1110) in between paper method (M 1),
followed by top of paper method (M2) (1002), whereas lowest (894) was registered by sand
(M3) (Table 2).
The constant temperature 25 0 C (T3) noticed higher seedling vigour index (1173)
followed by alternate temperature 20/30 0 C (T4) (1033) and 20 0 C (950). The lowest seedling
vigour index (852) was observed at 15 0 C (T1).
At 24 hours light (L1), higher seedling vigour index (1245) was recorded followed by
dark with KNO3 (L2) (1026) and lowest seedling vigour index (736) was observed in dark
without KNO 3 (L 3).
At media and temperature interaction (Table 2a), between paper at 25 0 C constant
temperature (M1T3) exhibited higher seedling vigour index (1297) and the lowest (751) was
registered by sand in 15 0 C constant temperature (M3T1).
The media and light interaction revealed that higher seedling vigour index (1352) was
recorded in between paper at 24 hours light (M1L1). While, the lowest (648) was observed by
sand in dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
Temperature and light interaction exhibited (1454) highest seedling vigour index in
25 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light (T 3L 1). Whereas, 622 was the lowest seedling
vigour index which was recorded at 15 0 C constant temperature in dark without KNO3 (T1L3).
Higher seedling vigour index (1563) was noticed by between paper at 25 0 C constant
temperature in 24 hours light (M1T3L1) through media, temperature and light interaction and
by sand at 15 0 C constant temperature in dark without KNO3 (M3T1L3) recorded lower seedling
vigour index (541).
4.1.2.8 Seedling dry weight (mg/10 seedlings)
Seedling dry weight was significantly high (14.70 mg) in between paper (M1) followed
by 14.08 mg in top of paper (M2) and lowest (13.45 mg) was recorded in sand media (M3)
(Table 2).

Table 2: Standardization of seed testing procedures in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) seeds
Treatments
Media
Germination
(%)
Speed of
germination
First
count
(days)
Final
count
(days)
Root
length
(cm)
Shoot
length
(cm)
Seedling
vigour
index
Seedling
dry
weight
(mg)
M1 72.54 (50.78)* 0.245 6.19 10.23 5.05 10.06 1110 14.70
M2 69.41 (54.49) 0.221 6.48 10.63 4.64 9.59 1003 14.08
M 3 64.77 (48.28) 0.204 6.73 10.96 4.41 9.18 894 13.45
SEm+ 0.46 0.001 0.05 0.06 0.04 0.05 8.32 0.06
CD (5%) 1.30 0.003 0.14 0.18 0.12 0.14 23.47 0.17
Temperature
T1 64.10 (39.73) 0.194 6.84 11.11 4.21 8.91 852 11.91
T2 67.92 (47.74) 0.212 6.59 10.79 4.56 9.24 951 13.13
T3 73.29 (55.99) 0.255 609 10.08 5.19 10.62 1173 16.14
T 4 70.31 (61.26) 0.233 6.34 10.44 4.84 9.68 1033 15.11
SEm+ 0.53 0.001 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.05 9.61 0.07
CD (5%) 1.50 0.003 0.17 0.20 0.12 0.16 27.10 0.20
Light and chemical (KNO3)
L1 76.63 (54.24) 0.266 5.60 9.93 5.51 10.65 1245 14.97
L2 70.41 (51.95) 0.218 6.52 10.52 4.73 9.77 1026 14.12
L3 59.68 (47.35) 0.187 7.28 11.38 3.86 8.42 736 13.14
SEm+ 0.46 0.001 0.05 0.06 0.04 0.05 8.32 0.06
CD (5%) 1.30 0.003 0.14 0.18 0.12 0.14 23.47 0.17
Interaction effects (S x T)
M × T
SEm+ 0.92 0.002 0.11 0.11 0.08 0.10 16.65 0.12
CD (5%) 2.60 0.006 0.32 0.32 0.22 0.28 46.94 0.34
M × L
SEm+ 0.80 0.002 0.09 0.10 0.07 0.08 14.42 0.11
CD (5%) 2.25 0.007 0.25 0.28 0.20 0.24 40.65 0.31
T × L
SEm+ 0.92 0.002 0.11 0.11 0.08 0.10 16.65 0.12
CD (5%) 2.60 0.006 0.32 0.32 0.23 0.28 46.94 0.34
M × T × L
SEm+ 1.60 0.003 0.18 0.20 0.13 0.17 28.84 0.21
CD (5%) 4.50 0.010 0.52 0.56 0.38 0.49 81.30 0.60
* Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
M1 : Between paper M2 : Top paper M3 : Sand
T1 : 15 0 C T2 : 20 0 C T3 : 25 0 C T4 : 20 – 30 0 C
L1 : Light L2 : Dark with KNO3 (0.2%) L3 : Dark without KNO3 (0.2%)

Table 2a: Interaction effects of media, temperature, light and seed treatment on seed quality parameters of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) seeds
Treatment
combination
M × T
Germination
(%)
Speed of
germination
First count
(days)
Final count
(days)
Root length
(cm)
Shoot length
(cm)
Seedling
vigour index
Seedling dry
weight (mg)
M1T1 67.47 (55.33)* 0.216 6.60 10.73 4.53 9.36 948 12.51
M1T2 71.50 (57.92) 0.234 6.30 10.30 4.97 9.67 1056 13.73
M1T3 76.73 (61.46) 0.276 5.80 9.80 5.53 11.23 1297 16.70
M1T4 74.47 (59.87) 0.255 6.07 10.10 5.17 10.00 1139 15.87
M2T1 64.91 (53.72) 0.191 6.83 11.10 4.17 8.90 858 11.97
M2T2 68.80 (56.18) 0.210 6.60 10.87 4.49 9.20 953 13.13
M2T3 73.57 (59.38) 0.253 6.10 10.07 5.13 10.57 1169 16.23
M2T4 70.37 (57.22) 0.230 6.37 10.47 4.78 9.70 1031 14.97
M3T1 59.93 (50.74) 0.174 7.10 11.50 3.93 8.47 751 11.27
M3T2 63.47 (52.85) 0.192 6.86 11.20 4.23 8.87 842 12.53
M3T3 69.57 (56.71) 0.237 6.37 10.37 4.90 10.07 1054 15.50
M3T4 66.10 (54.48) 0.214 6.60 10.77 4.57 9.33 929 14.50
SEm+ 0.92 0.002 0.11 0.11 0.08 0.10 16.65 0.12
CD at 5% 2.60 0.006 0.32 0.32 0.22 0.28 46.94 0.34
M × L
M1L1 80.13 (63.65) 0.288 5.35 9.60 5.78 11.05 1352 15.61
M1L2 74.63 (59.82) 0.237 6.23 10.18 5.15 10.12 1142 14.73
M1L3 62.88 (52.46) 0.211 7.00 10.93 4.23 9.03 836 13.78
M2L1 77.35 (61.70) 0.266 5.58 9.98 5.48 10.60 1249 14.98
M2L2 71.71 (57.90) 0.214 6.50 10.45 4.63 9.78 1035 14.13
M2L3 59.18 (50.27) 0.183 7.35 11.45 3.82 8.40 724 13.13
M3L1 72.43 (58.40) 0.244 5.88 10.20 5.28 10.30 1133 14.33
M3L2 64.90 (53.69) 0.202 6.83 10.93 4.43 9.43 901 13.50
M3L3 56.98 (48.99) 0.167 7.49 11.75 3.53 7.83 648 12.53
SEm+ 0.80 0.002 0.09 0.10 0.07 0.08 14.42 0.11
CD at 5% 2.25 0.007 0.25 0.28 0.20 0.24 40.65 0.31
Contd…..

Treatment
combination
T × L
Germination
(%)
Speed of
germination
First count
(days)
Final count
(days)
Root length
(cm)
Shoot length
(cm)
Seedling
vigour index
Seedling dry
weight (mg)
T1L1 70.50 (57.14) 0.234 5.97 10.37 5.10 9.83 1055 12.64
T1L2 64.98 (53.73) 0.192 6.90 11.03 4.30 9.22 880 11.97
T1L3 56.83 (48.91) 0.156 7.67 11.93 3.23 7.67 622 11.13
T2L1 75.13 (60.15) 0.255 5.70 10.07 5.33 10.40 1184 13.97
T2L2 69.83 (56.74) 0.204 6.63 10.70 4.57 9.43 979 13.07
T2L3 58.80 (50.06) 0.177 7.42 11.60 3.79 7.90 689 12.37
T3L1 82.47 (65.31) 0.299 5.23 9.50 6.00 11.60 1454 17.23
T3L2 74.90 (60.00) 0.249 6.13 10.00 5.20 10.77 1198 16.23
T3L3 62.50 (52.24) 0.217 6.90 10.73 4.37 9.50 869 14.97
T4L1 78.43 (62.39) 0.276 5.50 9.77 5.61 10.77 1286 16.03
T4L2 71.93 (58.08) 0.226 6.40 10.33 4.87 9.67 1048 15.20
T4L3 60.57 (51.09) 0.198 7.13 11.23 4.03 8.60 766 14.10
SEm+ 0.92 0.002 0.11 0.11 0.08 0.10 16.65 0.12
CD at 5% 2.60 0.006 0.32 0.32 0.23 0.28 46.94 0.34
M × T × L
M1T1L1 74.70 (59.82) 0.259 5.80 10.00 5.40 10.40 1181 13.23
M1T1L2 68.60 (55.93) 0.202 6.60 10.70 4.60 9.47 964 12.60
M1T1L3 59.10 (50.23) 0.188 7.40 11.50 3.60 8.20 698 11.70
M1T2L1 79.10 (62.84) 0.281 5.50 9.70 5.60 10.80 1296 14.50
M1T2L2 74.10 (59.41) 0.217 6.30 10.20 5.10 9.70 1096 13.70
M1T2L3 61.30 (51.52) 0.203 7.10 11.00 4.20 8.50 777 13.00
M1T3L1 84.90 (67.17) 0.316 4.90 9.20 6.30 12.10 1563 17.80
M1T3L2 78.40 (62.34) 0.277 5.90 9.80 5.60 11.30 1324 16.70
M1T3L3 66.90 (54.87) 0.234 6.60 10.40 4.70 10.30 1003 15.60
M1T4L1 81.80 (64.77) 0.296 5.20 9.50 5.80 10.90 1367 16.90
M1T4L2 77.40 (61.60) 0.252 6.10 10.00 5.30 10.00 1185 15.90
M1T4L3 64.20 (53.23) 0.217 6.90 10.80 4.40 9.10 866 14.80
M2T1L1 70.70 (57.22) 0.231 5.90 10.40 5.00 9.80 1047 12.70
M2T1L2 66.73 (54.76) 0.191 6.90 11.00 4.30 9.20 901 12.10
M2T1L3 57.30 (49.18) 0.152 7.70 11.90 3.20 7.70 625 11.10
M2T2L1 76.10 (60.72) 0.250 5.70 10.20 5.30 10.30 1188 14.10
M2T2L2 71.70 (57.87) 0.205 6.60 10.70 4.40 9.40 988 13.00
M2T2L3 58.60 (49.93) 0.176 7.50 11.70 3.77 7.90 683 12.30
Contd…..

Treatment Germination Speed of First count Final count Root length Shoot length Seedling Seedling dry
combination (%) germination (days) (days) (cm)
(cm) vigour index weight (mg)
M2T3L2 76.10 (60.72) 0.244 6.10 9.90 5.10 10.80 1210 16.30
M2T3L3 61.40 (51.57) 0.211 7.00 10.80 4.30 9.40 841 15.10
M2T4L1 79.40 (63.02) 0.279 5.50 9.80 5.63 10.80 1304 15.80
M2T4L2 72.30 (58.23) 0.217 6.40 10.20 4.70 9.70 1042 15.10
M2T4L3 59.40 (50.40) 0.194 7.20 11.40 4.00 8.60 748 14.00
M3T1L1 66.10 (54.38) 0.212 6.20 10.70 4.90 9.30 938 12.00
M3T1L2 59.60 (50.52) 0.184 7.20 11.40 4.00 9.00 775 11.20
M3T1L3 54.10 (47.33) 0.127 7.90 12.40 2.90 7.10 541 10.60
M3T2L1 70.20 (56.89) 0.234 5.90 10.30 5.10 10.10 1067 13.30
M3T2L2 63.70 (52.94) 0.190 7.00 11.20 4.20 9.20 854 12.50
M3T2L3 56.50 (48.72) 0.153 7.67 12.10 3.40 7.30 605 11.80
M3T3L1 79.30 (62.93) 0.278 5.60 9.80 5.70 11.20 1341 16.60
M3T3L2 70.20 (56.92) 0.226 6.40 10.30 4.90 10.20 1059 15.70
M3T3L3 59.20 (50.28) 0.207 7.10 11.00 4.10 8.80 763 14.20
M3T4L1 74.10 (59.40) 0.253 5.80 10.00 5.40 10.60 1186 15.40
M3T4L2 66.10 (54.39) 0.208 6.70 10.80 4.60 9.30 917 14.60
M3T4L3 58.10 (49.64) 0.182 7.30 11.50 3.70 8.10 685 13.50
Mean 68.91 (56.32) 0.265 6.47 10.61 4.70 9.61 1002.00 14.08
SEm+ 1.60 0.003 0.18 0.20 0.13 0.17 28.84 0.21
CD at 5% 4.50 0.010 0.52 0.56 0.38 0.49 81.30 0.60
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
M1 : Between paper M2 : Top paper M3 : Sand
T1 : 15 0 C T2 : 20 0 C T3 : 25 0 C T4 : 20 – 30 0 C
L1 : Light L2 : Dark with KNO3 (0.2%) L3 : Dark without KNO3 (0.2%)

Germination (%)
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
M1T1L1
M1T1L2
M1T1L3
M1T2L1
M1T2L2
M1T2L3
M1T3L1
M1T3L2
M1T3L3
M1T4L1
M1T4L2
M1T4L3
M2T1L1
M2T1L2
M2T1L3
M2T2L1
M2T2L2
M2T2L3
M2T3L1
M2T3L2
Interaction
Fig. 2: Interaction effects on Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera ) seeds
Fig.2. Interaction effects on Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) seeds
M2T3L3
M2T4L1
M2T4L2
M2T4L3
M3T1L1
M3T1L2
M3T1L3
M3T2L1
M3T2L2
M3T2L3
M3T3L1
M3T3L2
M3T3L3
M3T4L1
M3T4L2
M3T4L3

Seedling dry weight significantly higher (16.14 mg) at constant temperature 25 0 C (T 3)
followed by 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) 15.11 mg and 20 0 C (T2) 13.13 mg. The lowest
(11.91 mg) was observed at 15 0 C constant temperature (T1) among all the temperatures.
At 24 hours light (L1) 14.97 mg recorded significantly higher seedling dry weight,
followed by 14.12 mg in dark with KNO 3 (L 2) and the lowest (13.14 mg) was registered by
dark without KNO3 (L3) in light treatment.
The interaction of media and temperature (Table 2a) recorded higher seedling dry
weight (16.70 mg) in between paper at 25 0 C constant temperature (M1T3) and 11.27 mg was
the lowest seedling dry weight observed by sand at 15 0 C constant temperature (M 3T 1).
Between paper in 24 hours light (M1L1) registered the maximum seedling dry weight
(15.61 mg) in the interaction of media and light. Whereas, minimum seedling dry weight
(12.53 mg) was noticed by sand in dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
Temperature and light interaction revealed the higher seedling dry weight (17.23 mg)
at 15 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light (T3L1) and lower seedling dry weight (11.13
mg) was noticed in 15 0 C constant temperature at dark without KNO3 (T1L3).
Among the interaction of media, temperature and light higher seedling dry weight
(17.80 mg) was noticed in between paper at 25 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light
(M1T3L1), while the lowest seedling dry weight (10.60 mg) was recorded by sand at 15 0 C in
dark without KNO3 (M3T1L3).
4.1.3 Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
4.1.3.1 Germination percentage
Among the media between paper (M1) recorded significantly higher germination
percentage (43.95), which was on par with sand media (M3) (43.46%) and the lowest
(32.98%) was noticed in top of paper (M2) (Table 3).
At 25 0 C constant temperature (T 3) significantly higher germination percentage (69.94)
was observed followed by 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) (52.78%) and 20 0 C (T2)
(20.69%). The lowest temperature was recorded at 15 0 C (T2) (17.11%).
Germination was significantly higher (49.08%) recorded at dark with KNO3 (L2)
among the light treatments followed by dark without KNO 3 (L 3) (41.10%) and the lowest per
cent germination (30.22) was registered in 24 hours light (L1).
Interaction effect among media, temperature and light are presented in Table 3a.
Media and temperature, interaction revealed the superiority in between paper method at 25 0 C
constant temperature (M 1T 3) recorded significantly highest germination (79.87%). The lowest
seed germination (12.80%) was recorded on top of paper at 15 0 C (M2T1).
Seed germination in media and light interaction found significantly highest (53.90%)
in between paper at dark with KNO3 (M1L2), while the lowest germination (25.88%) was
recorded by top of paper at 24 hours light (M2L1).
Interaction between temperature and light showed the significant effect for
germination percentage, 25 0 C constant temperature in dark with KNO3 (T3L2) recorded the
highest germination of 79.80 per cent and 15 0 C in 24 hours light (T1L1) recorded the lowest
germination (9.77%).
Among the interactions of media, temperature and light. Between paper method at
25 0 C in dark with KNO3 (M1T3L2) recorded the highest germination of 90.70 per cent and the
lowest germination (7.40%) was registered by top of paper at 15 0 C in 24 hours light (M2T1L1).

4.1.3.2 Speed of germination
The significantly higher speed of germination (0.254) were registered in between
paper method (M1), followed by sand (M3), which showed 0.223 and the lowest (0.200) was
recorded in top of paper (M2) (Table 3).
The constant temperature of 25 0 C (T 3) recorded significantly higher speed of
germination (0.281), followed by 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) (0.261) and 20 0 C (0.190).
The lowest (0.171) was observed at 15 0 C (T1).
Significant effect was found in the light treatment where highest speed of germination
(0.268) was observed at dark with KNO 3 (L 2), followed by dark without KNO 3 (L 3) recorded
(0.230) and at 24 light treatment (L1) showed lowest (0.178) speed of germination.
The interaction of media and temperature revealed that significantly higher speed of
germination (0.310) was recorded in between paper method at 25 0 C constant temperature
(M 3T 1), while the lowest (0.150) was recorded in top of paper at 15 0 C (M 2T 1).
Media and light interaction showed significantly higher speed of germination (0.300)
in between paper method at dark with KNO3 (M1L2) and the lowest (0.150) was observed in
top of paper at 24 hours light (M2L1).
The significantly higher speed of germination (0.320) was recorded at 25 0 C in dark
without KNO3 (T3L2) revealed in temperature and light interaction and the lowest (0.120) was
observed at 15 0 C in 24 hours light (T1L1).
The between paper without at 25 0 C in dark with KNO3 (M1T3L2) revealed highest
speed of germination (0.361) through media, temperature and light interaction and the lowest
(0.103) was registered by top of paper at 15 0 C in 24 hours light (M2T1L1).
4.1.3.3 First count (days)
Germination media influenced significantly on days required for first count. Significant
higher number of days (8.44) recorded on top of paper (M 2), followed by sand (M 3) (8.23
days) and lowest number of days on top of paper (M2) (7.88 days) for days to first count
(Table 3).
Temperature effect was significant for days to first count 15 0 C (T1) recorded more
number of days (8.59) followed by constant temperature (T2) (8.38 days) and 20/30 0 C
alternate temperature (8.02 days). The less number of days (7.74) was recorded at 25 0 C
constant temperature.
Significant difference was observed in light treatment which recorded more number of
days (8.73) in 24 hours light (L 1) followed by dark without KNO 3 (L 3) (8.23 days) and less
number of days (7.59) was recorded in dark without KNO3 (L2).
The interaction of media and temperature (Table 3a) revealed that more number of
days (8.83) was observed in top of paper at 15 0 C (M2T1) and the less number of days (7.43)
was recorded in between paper method at 25 0 C constant temperature (M 1T 3).
Media and light interaction showed that maximum number of days (8.98) was noticed
in top of paper at 24 hours light (M2L1) and minimum number of days (7.25) was registered in
between paper method at dark with KNO3 (M1L2).
Significantly higher number of days (9.13) was noticed at 15 0 C in 24 hours light (T 1L 1)
through temperature and light interaction. The lowest number of days (7.20) was observed at
dark with KNO3 in 25 0 C constant temperature (T3L1).
Among the interaction of media, temperature and light more number of days (9.3)
recorded by top of paper at 15 0 C in 24 hours light (M2T1L1) and the less number of days (6.9)
was noticed in between paper at 25 0 C in dark with KNO3 (M1T3L2).

4.1.3.4 Final count (days)
The significant difference was observed among the media. More number of days
(15.22) was taken on top of paper (M2) followed by sand media (M3) (14.98), while the less
number of days (14.57) was recorded in between paper method (M1) (Table 3).
At 15 0 C temperature (T 1) significantly more number of days (15.27) was noticed,
followed by 20 0 C (T2) (15.03 days) and 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) (14.87 days). On
the contrary, less number of days (14.51) was recorded in 25 0 C constant temperature.
Light treatment showed significant difference, 24 hours light (L1) recorded highest
number of days (15.46) followed by dark with KNO 3 (L 3) (14.95 days). Whereas, lowest
number of days (14.35) was reported in dark without KNO3 (L3).
Media and temperature interaction revealed that more number of days (15.53) was
registered in top of paper at 15 0 C (M2T1). And the less number of days (14.17) was observed
in between paper at 25 0 C constant temperature (M 1T 3) (Table 3a).
Interaction between media and light reported that highest number of days (15.75) was
noticed by top of paper in 24 hours light (M2L1), while the days taken for final count was
lowest (14.05 days) in between paper at dark with KNO3 (M1L2).
More number of days (15.90) was observed at 15 0 C in 24 hours light (T 1L 1) through
temperature and light interaction. Whereas, the less number of days (14.07) was registered at
25 0 C in dark with KNO3 (T3L2).
The interaction of media, temperature and light exhibits maximum number of days
(16.10) by top of paper at 15 0 C in 24 hours light (M 2T 1L 1), while the minimum number of days
(13.8) was recorded by between paper at 25 0 C in dark with KNO3 (M1T3L2).
4.1.3.5 Root length (cm)
Significant difference was observed among the media. Highest root length (5.18 cm)
was noticed in between paper method (M 1), followed by sand (M 3) (4.84 cm) and the lowest
(4.53 cm) was recorded by top of paper (M2) (Table 3).
At 25 0 C constant temperature (T3) significantly higher root length (5.47 cm) was
observed followed by 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) (5.14 cm) and 20 0 C (T2) (4.62 cm).
The lowest root length (4.18 cm) was noticed in 15 0 C (T 1).
The significantly higher root length (5.68 cm) was recorded in dark with KNO3 (L2)
followed by dark without KNO3 (L3) (4.86 cm). Whereas, lowest root length (4.03 cm) was
noticed in 24 hours light (L1).
The interaction of media and temperature noticed higher root length (5.90 cm) was
noticed in between paper method at 25 0 C (M1T3). Lowest root length (3.97 cm) was observed
in top of paper at 15 0 C (M2T1).
Media and light interaction revealed that maximum root length (6.03 cm) in between
paper method at dark with KNO 3 (M 1L 2). Whereas, lowest root length (3.73 cm) was noticed
at 15 0 C on top of paper method.
Highest root length (6.23 cm) was observed at 25 0 C in dark with KNO3 (T3L2) in
temperature and light interaction and the lowest (3.30 cm) was noticed at 15 0 C in 24 hours
light (T 1L 1).
Among the interactions of media, temperature and light, the maximum root length
(6.70 cm) was registered by between paper at 25 0 C in dark with KNO3 (M1T3L2). And the
minimum root length (3.10 cm) was recorded by top of paper at 15 0 C in 24 hours light
(M 2T 1L 1).

4.1.3.6 Shoot length (cm)
Shoot length recorded significantly high (7.77 cm) in between paper method (M1),
followed by sand (M3) (7.37 cm). While, the lowest shoot length (6.88 cm) was noticed in top
of paper method (M2) (Table 3).
At 25 0 C constant temperature (T 3) significantly highest shoot length (7.86 cm) was
observed, followed by 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) (7.49 cm) and 20 0 C (T2) (7.20 cm).
The lowest shoot length (6.80 cm) was recorded at 15 0 C (T1).
Dark with KNO3 (L2) registered maximum shoot length (8.47 cm) followed by dark
without KNO 3 (L 3) (7.27 cm). The lowest shoot length (6.28 cm) was observed in 24 hours
light (L1).
The interaction of media and temperature (Table 3a) revealed that higher shoot
length (8.23 cm) was observed in between paper at 25 0 C temperature (M1T3), while the
lowest (6.30 cm) was recorded by top of paper at 15 0 C constant temperature (M 2T 1).
The highest shoot length (8.90 cm) was recorded in between paper at dark without
KNO3 (M1L2) through media and light interaction. Where, the lowest (5.85 cm) was noticed on
top of paper method in 24 hours light (M2L1).
The interaction of temperature and light showed that higher shoot length (8.93 cm)
was observed at 25 0 C constant temperature in dark with KNO3 (T3L1) and lowest (5.67 cm)
was noticed at 15 0 C in 24 hours light (T1L1).
Media, temperature and light interactions exhibited maximum shoot length (9.20 cm)
in between paper at 25 0 C constant temperature in dark with KNO 3 (M 1T 3L 2). On the other
hand, minimum shoot length (5.30 cm) was recorded by top of paper at 15 0 C in 24 hours light
(M2T1L1).
4.1.3.7 Seedling vigour index (SVI)
The seedling vigour index recorded hghest (604) in between paper method (M 1),
followed by sand (M3) (563), whereas lowest (401) was registered by top of paper (M2) (Table
3).
The constant temperature 25 0 C (T3) noticed higher seedling vigour index (949)
followed by 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) (687) and 20 0 C (T2) (257). The lowest
seedling vigour index (198) was observed at 15 0 C (T1).
At dark with KNO3 (L2) higher seedling vigour index (716) was recorded followed by
dark without KNO3 (L3) (521) and lowest seedling vigour index (332) was observed in 24
hours light (L 1).
At media and temperature interactions, between paper at 25 0 C constant temperature
(M1T3) exhibited higher seedling vigour index (1142) and the lowest (139) was registered by
top of paper at 15 0 C constant temperature (M2T1).
The media and light interaction revealed that higher seedling vigour index (812) was
recorded in between paper at dark with KNO3 (M1L2), while the lowest (262) was observed by
top of paper in 24 hours light (M2L1).
Temperature and light interaction exhibited (1215) highest seedling vigour index at
25 0 C constant temperature in dark with KNO 3 (T 3L 2). Whereas, 88 was the lowest SVU, which
was recorded at 15 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light (T1L1).
Higher seedling vigour index (1442) was noticed by between paper at 25 0 C constant
temperature in dark with KNO3 (M1T3L2) through media, temperature and light interaction and
by top of paper at 15 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light (M2T1L1) recorded lower
seedling vigour index (62).

Table 3: Standardization of seed testing procedures in Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) seeds
Treatments
Media
Germination
(%)
Speed of
germination
First
count
(days)
Final
count
(days)
Root
length
(cm)
Shoot
length
(cm)
Seedling
vigour
index
Seedling
dry
weight
(mg)
M1 43.95 (41.21)* 0.254 7.88 14.57 5.18 7.77 604 13.63
M 2 32.98 (33.93) 0.200 8.44 15.22 4.53 6.88 401 12.68
M3 43.46 (40.71) 0.223 8.23 14.98 4.84 7.37 563 13.19
SEm+ 0.32 0.001 0.051 0.06 0.04 0.056 6.06 0.06
CD (5%) 0.90 0.003 0.143 0.18 0.11 0.158 17.09 0.18
Temperature
T1 17.11 (23.96) 0.171 8.59 15.27 4.18 6.80 198 12.60
T2 20.69 (26.62) 0.190 8.38 15.03 4.62 7.20 257 12.96
T 3 69.94 (57.21) 0.281 7.74 14.51 5.47 7.86 949 13.74
T4 52.78 (46.67) 0.261 8.02 14.87 5.14 7.49 687 13.37
SEm+ 0.370 0.001 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.065 7.00 0.06
CD (5%) 1.040 0.004 0.17 0.20 0.12 0.183 19.73 0.18
Light and chemical (KNO3)
L1 30.22 (31.96) 0.178 8.73 15.46 4.03 6.28 332 12.23
L2 49.08 (44.59) 0.268 7.59 14.35 5.68 8.47 716 14.23
L 3 41.10 (39.30) 0.230 8.23 14.95 4.86 7.27 521 13.04
SEm+ 0.32 0.001 0.051 0.06 0.04 0.056 6.06 0.06
CD (5%) 0.90 0.003 0.143 0.18 0.11 0.158 17.09 0.18
Interaction effects (S x T)
M × T
SEm+ 0.64 0.002 0.10 0.12 0.07 0.112 12.12 0.11
CD (5%) 1.81 0.006 0.29 0.36 0.21 0.317 34.17 0.32
M × L
SEm+ 0.55 0.002 0.09 0.10 0.06 0.097 10.50 0.09
CD (5%) 1.56 0.006 0.25 0.28 0.18 0.274 29.60 0.27
T × L
SEm+ 0.64 0.002 0.10 0.12 0.07 0.112 12.12 0.11
CD (5%) 1.81 0.006 0.29 0.36 0.21 0.317 34.17 0.32
M × T × L 0.004
SEm+ 1.11 0.011 0.18 0.20 0.13 0.195 21.00 0.19
CD (5%) 3.13 0.254 0.50 0.58 0.36 0.549 59.19 0.55
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
M1 : Between paper M2 : Top paper M3 : Sand
T1 : 15 0 C T2 : 20 0 C T3 : 25 0 C T4 : 20 – 30 0 C
L1 : Light L2 : Dark with KNO3 (0.2%) L3 : Dark without KNO3 (0.2%)

Table 3a: Interaction effects of media, temperature, light and seed treatment on seed quality parameters of Periwinkle (Catheranthus roseus) seeds
Treatment
combination
M × T
Germination
(%)
Speed of
germination
First count
(days)
Final count
(days)
Root length
(cm)
Shoot length
(cm)
Seedling
vigour index
Seedling dry
weight (mg)
M1T1 16.97 (24.07)* 0.192 8.33 14.93 4.43 7.23 206 13.03
M1T2 22.43 (28.01) 0.216 8.10 14.70 4.87 7.63 290 13.43
M1T3 79.87 (63.93) 0.314 7.43 14.17 5.90 8.23 1142 14.20
M1T4 56.53 (48.82) 0.293 7.63 14.47 5.53 7.97 780 13.83
M2T1 12.80 (20.62) 0.150 8.83 15.53 3.97 6.30 139 12.17
M2T2 15.47 (22.92) 0.166 8.63 15.30 4.33 6.77 179 12.43
M2T3 61.97 (52.01) 0.251 8.00 14.83 5.07 7.43 788 13.27
M2T4 41.70 (40.16) 0.234 8.30 15.20 4.77 7.00 501 12.87
M3T1 21.57 (27.19) 0.170 8.60 15.33 4.13 6.87 251 12.60
M3T2 24.17 (28.94) 0.188 8.40 15.10 4.67 7.20 301 13.00
M3T3 68.00 (55.69) 0.277 7.80 14.53 5.43 7.90 918 13.77
M3T4 60.10 (51.02) 0.256 8.13 14.93 5.13 7.50 781 13.40
SEm+ 0.64 0.002 0.10 0.12 0.07 0.112 12.12 0.11
CD at 5% 1.81 0.006 0.29 0.36 0.21 0.317 34.17 0.32
M × L
M1L1 34.50 (34.74) 0.204 8.40 15.13 4.33 6.70 402 12.75
M1L2 52.90 (47.37) 0.301 7.25 14.05 6.03 8.90 812 14.50
M1L3 44.45 (41.51) 0.256 7.98 14.53 5.20 7.70 599 13.63
M2L1 25.88 (29.03) 0.155 8.98 15.75 3.73 5.85 262 11.65
M2L2 40.55 (39.03) 0.243 7.88 14.63 5.38 8.00 560 13.90
M2L3 32.53 (33.72) 0.204 8.48 15.28 4.50 6.78 383 12.50
M3L1 30.28 (32.11) 0.176 8.80 15.50 4.03 6.28 331 12.28
M3L2 53.78 (47.37) 0.262 7.65 14.38 5.63 8.50 777 14.30
M3L3 46.33 (42.66) 0.231 8.25 15.05 4.88 7.33 581 13.00
SEm+ 0.55 0.002 0.09 0.10 0.06 0.097 10.50 0.09
CD at 5% 1.56 0.006 0.25 0.28 0.18 0.274 29.60 0.27
Contd…..

Treatment
combination
T × L
Germination
(%)
Speed of
germination
First count
(days)
Final count
(days)
Root length
(cm)
Shoot length
(cm)
Seedling
vigour index
Seedling dry
weight (mg)
T1L1 9.77 (18.09) 0.124 9.13 15.90 3.30 5.67 88 11.53
T1L2 23.27 (28.70) 0.212 7.93 14.63 5.13 8.00 307 13.77
T1L3 18.30 (25.09) 0.177 8.70 15.27 4.10 6.73 200 12.50
T2L1 12.30 (20.45) 0.138 8.93 15.63 3.87 6.10 124 11.93
T2L2 28.57 (32.17) 0.237 7.77 14.40 5.33 8.33 393 14.10
T2L3 21.20 (27.26) 0.195 8.43 15.07 4.67 7.17 253 12.83
T3L1 59.17 (50.32) 0.236 8.33 14.93 4.63 6.87 686 12.93
T3L2 79.80 (63.80) 0.321 7.20 14.07 6.23 8.93 1215 14.70
T3L3 70.87 (57.54) 0.285 7.70 14.53 5.53 7.77 948 13.60
T4L1 39.63 (38.98) 0.215 8.50 15.37 4.30 6.47 429 12.50
T4L2 64.67 (53.69) 0.303 7.47 14.30 6.00 8.60 950 14.37
T4L3 54.03 (47.31) 0.265 8.10 14.93 5.13 7.40 682 13.23
SEm+ 0.64 0.002 0.10 0.12 0.07 0.112 12.12 0.11
CD at 5% 1.81 0.006 0.29 0.36 0.21 0.317 34.17 0.32
M × T × L
M1T1L1 11.10 (19.34) 0.145 9.00 15.70 3.60 6.10 107 12.00
M1T1L2 22.50 (28.29) 0.238 7.50 14.30 5.40 8.50 313 14.00
M1T1L3 17.30 (24.56) 0.193 8.50 14.80 4.30 7.10 197 13.10
M1T2L1 14.20 (22.12) 0.168 8.60 15.40 4.10 6.50 150 12.50
M1T2L2 29.60 (32.94) 0.267 7.40 14.10 5.60 8.80 427 14.30
M1T2L3 23.50 (28.98) 0.213 8.30 14.60 4.90 7.60 294 13.50
M1T3L1 68.30 (55.71) 0.263 8.00 14.50 5.00 7.30 841 13.40
M1T3L2 90.70 (72.23) 0.361 6.90 13.80 6.70 9.20 1442 15.10
M1T3L3 80.60 (63.85) 0.317 7.40 14.20 6.00 8.20 1144 14.10
M1T4L1 44.40 (41.77) 0.241 8.00 14.90 4.60 6.90 511 13.10
M1T4L2 68.80 (56.03) 0.337 7.20 14.00 6.40 9.10 1067 14.60
M1T4L3 56.40 (48.66) 0.300 7.70 14.50 5.60 7.90 761 13.80
M2T1L1 7.40 (15.76) 0.103 9.30 16.10 3.10 5.30 62 11.00
M2T1L2 18.60 (25.52) 0.188 8.30 14.90 4.90 7.40 228 13.50
M2T1L3 12.40 (20.60) 0.159 8.90 15.60 3.90 6.20 125 12.00
M2T2L1 10.30 (18.70) 0.112 9.20 15.80 3.60 5.70 96 11.30
M2T2L2 21.20 (27.39) 0.211 8.10 14.70 5.10 7.90 276 13.80
Contd…..

Treatment Germination Speed of First count Final count Root length Shoot length Seedling Seedling dry
combination (%) germination (days) (days) (cm)
(cm) vigour index weight (mg)
M2T3L1 51.60 (45.90) 0.210 8.60 15.40 4.20 6.40 547 12.40
M2T3L2 71.60 (57.78) 0.292 7.40 14.30 5.90 8.60 1038 14.30
M2T3L3 62.70 (52.34) 0.252 8.00 14.80 5.10 7.30 777 13.10
M2T4L1 34.20 (35.77) 0.193 8.80 15.70 4.00 6.00 342 11.90
M2T4L2 50.80 (45.44) 0.279 7.70 14.60 5.60 8.10 696 14.00
M2T4L3 40.10 (39.27) 0.231 8.40 15.30 4.70 6.90 465 12.70
M3T1L1 10.80 (19.17) 0.123 9.10 15.90 3.20 5.60 95 11.60
M3T1L2 28.70 (32.30) 0.210 8.00 14.70 5.10 8.10 381 13.80
M3T1L3 25.20 (30.12) 0.178 8.70 15.40 4.10 6.90 278 12.40
M3T2L1 12.40 (20.52) 0.134 9.00 15.70 3.90 6.10 125 12.00
M3T2L2 34.90 (36.18) 0.233 7.80 14.40 5.30 8.30 475 14.20
M3T2L3 25.20 (30.12) 0.198 8.40 15.20 4.80 7.20 303 12.80
M3T3L1 57.60 (49.35) 0.236 8.40 14.90 4.70 6.90 669 13.00
M3T3L2 77.10 (61.39) 0.309 7.30 14.10 6.10 9.00 1164 14.70
M3T3L3 69.30 (56.34) 0.286 7.70 14.60 5.50 7.80 922 13.60
M3T4L1 40.30 (39.39) 0.211 8.70 15.50 4.30 6.50 435 12.50
M3T4L2 74.40 (59.59) 0.294 7.50 14.30 6.00 8.60 1087 14.50
M3T4L3 65.60 (54.08) 0.263 8.20 15.00 5.10 7.40 820 13.20
Mean 40.13 (38.62) 0.230 8.18 14.92 4.85 7.34 522.00 13.17
SEm+ 1.11 0.011 0.18 0.20 0.13 0.195 21.00 0.19
CD at 5% 3.13 0.254 0.50 0.58 0.36 0.549 59.19 0.55
* Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
M1 : Between paper M2 : Top paper M3 : Sand
T1 : 15 0 C T2 : 20 0 C T3 : 25 0 C T4 : 20 – 30 0 C
L1 : Light L2 : Dark with KNO3 (0.2%) L3 : Dark without KNO3 (0.2%)

Germination (%)
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
M1T1L1
M1T1L2
M1T1L3
M1T2L1
M1T2L2
M1T2L3
M1T3L1
M1T3L2
M1T3L3
M1T4L1
M1T4L2
M1T4L3
M2T1L1
M2T1L2
M2T1L3
M2T2L1
M2T2L2
M2T2L3
M2T3L1
M2T3L2
Interaction
Fig. 3: Interaction effects on Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus ) seeds
Fig.3: Interaction effects on Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) see
M2T3L3
M2T4L1
M2T4L2
M2T4L3
M3T1L1
M3T1L2
M3T1L3
M3T2L1
M3T2L2
M3T2L3
M3T3L1
M3T3L2
M3T3L3
M3T4L1
M3T4L2
M3T4L3

4.1.3.8 Seedling dry weight (mg/10 seedlings)
Seedling dry weight was significantly high (13.63 mg) in between paper (M1) followed
by (13.19 mg) by sand media (M3) and lowest (12.68 mg) was recorded in top of paper
method (M2).
Seedling dry weight (13.74 mg) was significantly higher at constant temperature 25 0 C
(T3) followed by 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) (13.37 mg) and 20 0 C (T2) (12.96 mg). The
lowest (12.60 mg) was observed at 15 0 C constant temperature (T1) among all the
temperature.
Dark with KNO 3 (L 2) recorded significantly higher (14.23 mg) seedling dry weight,
followed by 13.04 mg dark without KNO3 (L3) and the lowest (12.23 mg) was registered by 24
hours light (L1).
The interaction of media and temperature (Table 3a) recorded higher seedling dry
weight (14.20 mg) in between paper at 25 0 C constant temperature (M 1T 3) and 12.17 mg was
the lowest seedling dry weight observed by top of paper at 15 0 C (M2T1).
Between paper in dark with KNO3 (M1L2) registered the maximum seedling dry weight
(14.50 mg) in the interaction of media and light. Whereas, minimum seedling dry weight
(11.65 mg) was noticed by top of paper in 24 hours light (M 2L 1.
Temperature and light interaction reveals the higher seedling dry weight (14.70 mg)
at 25 0 C in dark with KNO3 (T3L2) and lower seedling dry weight (11.53 mg) was noticed in
15 0 C at 24 hours light (T1L1).
Among the interaction of media, temperature and light higher seedling dry weight
(15.10 mg) was noticed by between paper at 25 0 C in dark with KNO3 (M1T3L2), while the
lowest seedling dry weight (11.00 mg) was recorded by top of paper at 15 0 C in 24 hours light
(M2T2L1).
4.1.4 Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
4.1.4.1 Germination percentage
Results of germination parameters are presented in Table 4. media influenced
significantly on germination percentage of Kalmegh seeds. The highest germination (71.71%)
was noticed in top of paper method (M 2), followed by between paper method (M 1) (69.18%)
and the lowest germination (66.98%) was noticed in sand media (M3).
Effect of temperature was significant for germination in Kalmegh seeds. The constant
temperature (20 0 C) (T2) recorded highest germination (72.83%), followed by 15 0 C (T1)
(71.08%) and 25 0 C (67.34%). The lowest germination (65.90%) was noticed at 20/30 0 C
alternate temperature (T4).
Light treatment showed significant effect on germination in Kalmegh seeds. In
presence of light for 24 hours (L1) recorded highest germination (71.98%) followed by dark
with KNO 3 (L 2) (69.52%). While, the lowest germination (66.38%) was registered in dark
without KNO3 (L3).
Interaction effect among media, temperature and light are given in Table 4a. Media
and temperature interaction revealed the superiority on top of paper method at 20 0 C (M2T2)
recorded significantly higher germination (75.70%). The lowest seed germination (64.30%)
was recorded in sand media at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M3T4).
Seed germination in media and light interaction found significantly higher (74.05%) on
top of paper at 24 hours light (M3L1), while the lowest germination (63.83%) was recorded in
sand at dark without KNO 3 (M 3L 3).
Interaction between temperature and light showed the significant effect for
germination percentage, 20 0 C temperature in 24 hours light (T2L1) recorded the highest

germination (75.87%) and 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in dark without KNO 3 (T 4L 3)
recorded the lowest germination (62.80%).
Among the interactions of media, temperature and light, top of paper method at 20 0 C
constant temperature in 24 hours light (M2T2L1) recorded highest germination of 78.80 per
cent and the lowest germination (61.00%) was registered by sand at 20/30 0 C alternate
temperature in dark without KNO3 (M3T4L3).
4.1.4.2 Speed of germination
The significantly higher speed of germination (0.267) was registered in top of paper
method (M 2) followed by between paper method (M 1), which showed 0.242 and the lowest
(0.214) was recorded in sand media (M3) (Table 4).
The constant temperature 20 0 C (T2) recorded significantly higher speed of
germination (0.280) followed by 15 0 C (T1) (0.259) and 25 0 C (T3) (0.229). The lowest (0.196)
was observed at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T 4).
Significant effect was found in the light treatment where highest speed of germinating
(0.285) was observed at 24 hours light (L1) followed by dark with KNO3 (L2) (0.238). And dark
without KNO3 (L3) treatment showed lowest (0.200) speed of germination.
The interaction of media and temperature (Table 4a) revealed that significantly higher
speed of germination (0.311) was recorded in top of paper method at 20 0 C (M2T2). While, the
lowest (0.173) was recorded in sand media at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M3T4).
Media and light interaction showed significantly higher speed of germination (0.320)
on top of paper method in 24 hours light (M 2L 1). The lowest (0.179) was observed in sand at
dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
The significantly higher speed of germination (0.321) was recorded at 20 0 C constant
temperature in presence of light for 24 hours (T2L1) revealed at temperature and light
interaction and the lowest (0.154) was observed in 20/30 0 C alternate temperature at dark
without KNO3 (T4L3).
The top of paper method at 20 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light (M2T2L1)
revealed highest speed of germination (0.359) through media, temperature and light
interactions. The lowest (0.141) was registered by sand at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in
dark without KNO3 (M3T4L3).
4.1.4.3 First count (days)
Germination media influenced significantly on days required for first count.
Significantly higher number of days (8.42) recorded in sand (M 3), followed by between paper
(M1) (8.01 days) and lowest number of days in top of paper (M2) (7.73 days) for days to first
count (Table 4).
Temperature effect was significant for days to first count, 20/30 0 C alternate
temperature (T 4) recorded more number of days (8.44) followed by 25 0 C (T 3) (8.19 days) and
15 0 C (T1) (7.91 days). The less number of days (7.66) was recorded at 20 0 C constant
temperature (T2).
Significant difference was observed in the light treatment, which recorded more
number of days (8.87) in dark without KNO3 (L3) followed by dark with KNO3 (L2) (8.03 days).
And less number of days (7.25) was recorded in 24 hours light (L1).
The interaction of media and temperature revealed that more number of days (8.80)
was observed in sand at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M3T4) and the less number of days
(7.30) was recorded in top of paper method at 20 0 C constant temperature (M 2T 2).

Media and light interaction showed that maximum number of days (9.30) was noticed
in sand at dark without KNO3 (M3L3) and minimum number of days (7.00) was registered in
top of paper method at 24 hours light (M2L1).
Significantly higher number of days (9.30) was noticed at 20/30 0 C alternate
temperature in dark without KNO 3 (T 4L 3) through temperature. The lowest number of days
(6.93) was observed at 20 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light (T2L1).
Among the interactions of media, temperature and light, more number of days (9.7)
recorded by sand at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in dark without KNO3 (TM2T3L3) and the
less number of days (6.6) was noticed in top of paper at 20 0 C constant temperature in 24
hours light (M2T2L1) (Table 4a).
4.1.4.4 Final count (days)
The significant difference was observed among the media. More number of days
(14.18) was taken in sand (M 3), followed by between paper method (M 1) (13.91 days), while
the less number of days (13.58) was recorded in top of paper method (M2) (Table 4).
At 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4), significantly more number of days (14.28) was
noticed, followed by 25 0 C (T3) (14.04 days) and 15 0 C (T1) (13.76 days). On the contrary, less
number of days (13.49) was recorded in 20 0 C (T 2).
Light treatment showed significant difference. Dark without KNO3 (L3) recorded
highest number of days (14.69) followed by dark with KNO3 (L2) (13.83 days). Whereas,
lowest number of days (13.15) was reported in 24 hours light (L1).
Media and temperature interaction (Table 4a) revealed that more number of days
(14.63) was registered in sand at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M3T4) and less number of
days (13.20) was observed in top of paper at 20 0 C constant temperature (M2T2).
Interaction between media and light reported that highest number of days (15.00) was
noticed by sand in dark without KNO3 (M3L3). While, the days taken for final count was lowest
(12.83 days) in top of paper at 24 hours light (M2L1).
More number of days (15.20) was observed at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in dark
without KNO3 (T4L3) in temperature and light interaction. Whereas, the less number of days
(12.80) was registered at 20 0 C in 24 hours light (T 2L 1).
The interaction of media, temperature and light exhibited maximum number of days
(15.60) by sand at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in dark without KNO3 (M3T4L3), while the
minimum number of days (12.50) was recorded by top of paper at 20 0 C in 24 hours light
(M 2T 2L 1).
4.1.4.5 Root length (cm)
Significant difference was observed among the media. Highest root length (6.93 cm)
was noticed in top of paper method (M2) followed by between paper (M1) (6.48 cm) and the
lowest (6.19 cm) was recorded in sand media (M 3) (Table 4).
At 20 0 C constant temperature (T2) significantly higher root length (7.02 cm) was
observed, followed by 15 0 C (T1) (6.72 cm) and 25 0 C (T3) (6.73 cm). The lowest root length
(6.04 cm) was noticed in 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4).
The significantly higher root length (7.27 cm) was recorded in 24 hours light (L 1),
followed by dark with KNO3 (L2) (6.63 cm). Whereas, lowest root length (5.72 cm) was noticed
in dark without KNO3 (L3).
The interaction of media and temperature (Table 4a) noticed higher root length (7.43
cm) in top of paper at 20 0 C (M2T2). Lowest root length (5.84 cm) was observed in sand at
20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M3T4).

Media and light interaction revealed that maximum root length (7.68 cm) in top of
paper method at 24 hours light (M2L1). Whereas, lowest root length (5.28 cm) was recorded
by sand in dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
Highest root length (7.77 cm) was observed at 20 0 C in 24 hours light (T2L1) in
temperature and light interaction and the lowest (5.07 cm) was noticed in 20/30 0 C alternate
temperature at dark without KNO3 (T4L3).
Among the interactions of media, temperature and light, the maximum root length
(8.40 cm) was registered by top of paper method at 20 0 C in 24 hours light (M2T2L1). And the
minimum root length (4.80 cm) was recorded by sand at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in
dark without KNO3 (M3T4L3).
4.1.4.6 Shoot length (cm)
Shoot length recorded significantly high (17.64 cm) on top of paper method (M2)
followed by between paper (M 1) (17.26 cm), while the lowest shoot length (16.84 cm) was
noticed sand medium (Table 4).
At 20 0 C constant temperature (T2) significantly highest shoot length (17.81 cm) was
observed, followed by 15 0 C (T1) (17.41 cm) and 25 0 C (T3) (17.06 cm). The lowest shoot
length (16.71 cm) was recorded at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T 4).
In presence of light for 24 hours (L1) registered maximum shoot length (18.18 cm)
followed by dark with KNO3 (L2) (17.25 cm) and the lowest shoot length (16.31 cm) was
observed in dark without KNO3 (L3).
The interaction of media and temperature revealed that higher shoot length (18.13
cm) was observed in top of paper at 20 0 C constant temperature (M2T2). While, the lowest
(16.23 cm) was recorded by sand media at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M3T4).
The highest shoot length (18.53 cm) was recorded in top of paper at 24 hours light
(M2L1) in media and light interaction. Whereas, the lowest (15.90 cm) was noticed by sand in
dark without KNO3 (M3L3) (Table 4a).
The interaction of temperature and light showed that higher shoot length (18.60 cm)
was observed at 20 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light (T2L1) and lowest (15.67 cm)
was registered at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in dark without KNO 3 (T 4L 3).
Media, temperature and light interactions exhibited maximum shoot length (18.90 cm)
in top of paper at 20 0 C in 24 hours light (M2T2L1). On the other hand, minimum shoot length
(15.20 cm)was recorded by sand at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in dark without KNO3
(M 3T 4L 3).
4.1.4.7 Seedling vigour index (SVI)
The seedling vigour index recorded highest (1767) on top of paper method (M2)
followed by between paper (M1) (1649). Whereas, lowest (1548) was registered by sand (M3)
(Table 4).
The constant temperature 20 0 C (T2) noticed higher seedling vigour index (1813)
followed by 15 0 C (T1) (1720) and 25 0 C (T3) (1582). The lowest seedling vigour index (1505)
was observed at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4).
At 24 hours light (L 1), higher seedling vigour index (1835) was recorded followed by
dark with KNO3 (L2) (1664) and lowest seedling vigour index (1466) was observed in dark
without KNO3 (L3).
At media and temperature interaction (Table 4a), top of paper at 20 0 C (M2T2)
exhibited higher seedling vigour index (1938) and the lowest (1426) was registered by sand at
20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M3T4).

The media and light interaction revealed that higher seedling vigour index (1943)
recorded on top of paper at 24 hours light (M2L1). While, the lowest (1354) was observed by
sand in dark without KNO3 (M3L3).
Temperature and light interaction exhibited highest seedling vigour index (2002) in
20 0 C at 24 hours light (T 2L 1). Whereas, lowest seedling vigour index (1303) was recorded at
20/30 0 C alternate temperature in dark without KNO3 (T4L3).
Higher seedling vigour index (2134) was noticed by top of paper at 20 0 C in 24 hours
light (M2T2L1) in media, temperature and light interaction. And by sand at 20/30 0 C alternate
temperature in dark without KNO 3 (M 3T 4L 3) recorded lower seedling vigour index (1221).
4.1.4.8 Seedling dry weight (mg/10 seedlings)
Seedling dry weight was significantly higher (14.29 mg) on top of paper (M2) followed
by 13.89 mg in between paper (M1) and lowest (13.43 mg) was recorded in sand media (M3)
(Table 4).
Seedling dry weight was significantly high (14.36 mg) at 20 0 C constant temperature
(T2) followed by 15 0 C (T1) (13.99 mg) and 25 0 C (T3) (13.71 mg). The lowest (13.42 mg) was
observed at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (T4) among all the temperatures.
At 24 hours light (L 1), 15.04 mg recorded significantly higher seedling dry weight,
followed by 13.91 mg in dark with KNO3 (L2). The lowest (12.66 mg) was registered by dark
without KNO3 (L3) in light treatments.
The interaction of media and temperature (Table 4a) recorded higher seedling dry
weight (14.77 mg) on top of paper at 20 0 C (M 2T 2) and (12.93 mg) was the lowest seedling dry
weight observed by sand at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature (M3T4).
Top of paper in 24 hours light (M2L1) registered maximum seedling dry weight (15.40
mg) in the interaction of media and light. Whereas, minimum seedling dry weight (12.02 mg)
was noticed by sand in dark without KNO 3 (M 3L 3).
Temperature and light interaction revealed the higher seedling dry weight (15.43 mg)
at 20 0 C in 24 hours light (T2L1) and lower seedling dry weight (12.17 mg) was noticed in
20/30 0 C alternate temperature at dark without KNO3 (T4L3).
Among the interactions of media, temperature and light higher seedling dry weight
(15.80 mg) was noticed in top of paper at 20 0 C in 24 hours light (M2L1), while the lowest
seedling dry weight (11.40 mg) was recorded by sand at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in
dark without KNO3 (M3T4L3).
4.2 Experiment-II : Effect of seed treatment on enhancing
germination in Tulsi, Ashwagandha,
Periwinkle and Kalmegh seeds during
storage
4.2.1 Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi)
4.2.1.1 Germination percentage
The data on germination (%) as influenced by treatments and periods of storage are
given in Table 5.
The germination percentage differed significantly at all months of storage period. At
first month of storage significantly higher germination was recorded in four seeds (S 1)
(74.69%) and lower germination was recorded in old seeds (S2) (63.04%). At the end of ten
months storage higher germination was recorded in S1 (39.29%) and lower germination was
in S2 (28.57%).

Table 4: Standardization of seed testing procedures in Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) seeds
Treatments
Media
Germination
(%)
Speed of
germination
First
count
(days)
Final
count
(days)
Root
length
(cm)
Shoot
length
(cm)
Seedling
vigour
index
Seedling
dry
weight
(mg)
M1 69.18 (56.93)* 0.242 8.01 13.91 6.48 17.26 1649 13.89
M2 71.71
(57.92) 0.267 7.73 13.58 6.93 17.64 1767 14.29
M3 66.98
(54.94) 0.214 8.42 14.18 6.19 16.84 1548 13.43
SEm+ 0.53 0.001 0.06 0.10 0.05 0.07 17.10 0.08
CD (5%)
Temperature
1.49 0.003 0.18 0.28 0.15 0.21 48.22 0.24
T1 71.08
(57.49) 0.259 7.91 13.76 6.72 17.41 1720 13.99
T2 72.83
(58.65) 0.280 7.66 13.49 7.02 17.81 1813 14.36
T3 67.34
(55.15) 0.229 8.19 14.04 6.37 17.06 1582 13.71
T4 65.90
(54.29) 0.196 8.44 14.28 6.04 16.71 1505 13.42
SEm+ 0.61 0.001 0.07 0.12 0.06 0.08 19.75 0.10
CD (5%) 1.72 0.003 0.20 0.34 0.18 0.23 55.68 0.28
Light and chemical (KNO3)
L1 71.98
(58.08) 0.285 7.25 13.15 7.27 18.18 1835 15.04
L2 69.52
(56.52) 0.238 8.03 13.83 6.63 17.25 1664 13.91
L3 66.38
(54.58) 0.200 8.87 14.69 5.72 16.31 1466 12.66
SEm+ 0.53 0.001 0.06 0.10 0.05 0.07 17.10 0.08
CD (5%) 1.49 0.003 0.18 0.28 0.15 0.21 48.22 0.24
Interaction effects (S x T)
M × T
SEm+ 1.06 0.002 0.13 0.20 0.11 0.14 34.21 0.17
CD (5%) 2.98 0.006 0.36 0.57 0.31 0.41 96.44 0.48
M × L
SEm+ 0.91 0.002 0.11 0.18 0.09 0.13 29.63 0.14
CD (5%) 2.58 0.006 0.31 0.50 0.27 0.35 83.52 0.41
T × L
SEm+ 1.06 0.002 0.13 0.20 0.11 0.14 34.21 0.17
CD (5%) 2.98 0.006 0.36 0.57 0.31 0.41 96.44 0.48
M × T × L
SEm+ 1.83 0.003 0.22 0.35 0.19 0.25 59.25 0.29
CD (5%) 5.15 0.009 0.62 0.99 0.53 0.71 167.04 0.82
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
M1 : Between paper M2 : Top paper M3 : Sand
T1 : 15 0 C T2 : 20 0 C T3 : 25 0 C T4 : 20 – 30 0 C
L1 : Light L2 : Dark with KNO3 (0.2%) L3 : Dark without KNO3 (0.2%)

Table 4a: Interaction effects of media, temperature, light and seed treatment on seed quality parameters of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
seeds
Treatment Germination Speed of First count Final count Root length Shoot length Seedling Seedling dry
combination
M × T
(%) germination (days) (days) (cm) (cm) vigour index weight (mg)
M1T1
71.13
(57.52)* 0.258 7.87 13.77 6.67 17.33 1711 13.97
M1T2 73.17 (58.84) 0.277 7.67 13.53 7.00 17.83 1822 14.36
M1T3 67.20 (55.06) 0.234 8.10 14.03 6.33 17.07 1575 13.77
M1T4 65.23 (53.89) 0.197 8.40 14.30 5.93 16.80 1488 13.47
M2T1 73.87 (59.25) 0.286 7.57 13.50 7.20 17.87 1854 14.40
M2T2 75.70 (60.52) 0.311 7.30 13.20 7.43 18.13 1938 14.77
M2T3 69.10 (56.23) 0.252 7.90 13.73 6.77 17.47 1678 14.13
M2T4 68.17 (55.66) 0.217 8.13 13.90 6.33 17.10 1600 13.87
M3T1 68.23 (55.69) 0.231 8.30 14.00 6.30 17.03 1596 13.60
M3T2 69.63 (56.59) 0.250 8.00 13.73 6.63 17.47 1681 13.96
M3T3 65.73 (54.17) 0.202 8.57 14.37 6.00 16.63 1492 13.23
M3T4 64.30 (53.31) 0.173 8.80 14.63 5.84 16.23 1426 12.93
SEm+ 1.06 0.002 0.13 0.20 0.11 0.14 34.21 0.17
CD at 5% 2.98 0.006 0.36 0.57 0.31 0.41 96.44 0.48
M × L
M1L1 71.75 (57.94) 0.286 7.20 13.18 7.23 18.25 1831 15.08
M1L2 69.55 (56.53) 0.240 8.03 13.85 6.50 17.23 1654 13.92
M1L3 66.25 (54.51) 0.199 8.80 14.70 5.73 16.30 1462 12.68
M2L1 74.05 (59.43) 0.320 7.00 12.83 7.68 18.53 1943 15.40
M2L2 72.03 (58.10) 0.259 7.68 13.55 6.98 17.68 1778 14.20
M2L3 69.05 (56.22) 0.221 8.50 14.38 6.15 16.73 1582 13.28
M 3L 1 70.13 (56.88) 0.250 7.55 13.45 6.90 17.78 1732 14.65
M3L2 66.98 (54.92) 0.214 8.40 14.10 6.41 16.85 1560 13.63
M3L3 63.83 (53.02) 0.179 9.30 15.00 5.28 15.90 1354 12.02
SEm+ 0.91 0.002 0.11 0.18 0.09 0.13 29.63 0.14
CD at 5% 2.58 0.006 0.31 0.50 0.27 0.35 83.52 0.41
Contd…..

Treatment Germination Speed of First count Final count Root length Shoot length Seedling Seedling dry
combination
T × L
(%) germination (days) (days) (cm) (cm) vigour index weight (mg)
T1L1 73.67 (59.12) 0.303 7.07 13.00 7.40 18.33 1897 15.17
T1L2 71.10 (57.49) 0.257 7.93 13.77 6.80 17.40 1723 14.03
T1L3 68.47 (55.25) 0.216 8.73 14.50 5.97 16.50 1541 12.77
T2L1 75.87 (60.63) 0.321 6.93 12.80 7.77 18.60 2002 15.43
T2L2 73.10 (58.79) 0.281 7.63 13.53 7.07 17.80 1820 14.42
T2L3 69.53 (56.52) 0.236 8.40 14.13 6.23 17.03 1619 13.22
T3L1 69.80 (56.66) 0.273 7.40 13.30 7.10 18.07 1759 14.93
T3L2 67.53 (55.25) 0.223 8.13 13.90 6.40 17.07 1586 13.73
T3L3 64.70 (53.54) 0.192 9.03 14.93 5.60 16.03 1401 12.47
T4L1 68.57 (55.91) 0.243 7.60 13.50 6.80 17.73 1684 14.63
T4L2 66.33 (54.54) 0.189 8.43 14.13 6.24 16.73 1527 13.47
T4L3 62.80 (52.42) 0.154 9.30 15.20 5.07 15.67 1303 12.17
SEm+ 1.06 0.002 0.13 0.20 0.11 0.14 34.21 0.17
CD at 5% 2.98 0.006 0.36 0.57 0.31 0.41 96.44 0.48
M × T × L
M1T1L1 73.70 (59.15) 0.304 7.00 13.00 7.30 18.30 1887 15.20
M1T1L2 71.30 (57.60) 0.259 7.90 13.80 6.70 17.30 1713 14.00
M 1T 1L 3 68.40 (55.80) 0.211 8.70 14.50 6.00 16.40 1532 12.70
M1T2L1 75.60 (60.45) 0.316 6.90 12.80 7.70 18.60 1991 15.40
M1T2L2 73.80 (59.20) 0.283 7.70 13.60 7.10 17.80 1839 14.47
M1T2L3 70.10 (56.86) 0.233 8.40 14.20 6.20 17.10 1635 13.20
M1T3L1 69.70 (56.59) 0.283 7.30 13.30 7.10 18.20 1765 15.00
M1T3L2 67.40 (55.17) 0.228 8.10 13.90 6.20 17.00 1564 13.80
M1T3L3 64.50 (53.43) 0.192 8.90 14.90 5.70 16.00 1398 12.50
M1T4L1 68.00 (55.57) 0.241 7.60 13.60 6.80 17.90 1682 14.70
M 1T 4L 2 65.70 (54.15) 0.190 8.40 14.10 6.00 16.80 1500 13.40
M1T4L3 62.00 (51.94) 0.160 9.20 15.20 5.00 15.70 1284 12.30
M2T1L1 75.90 (60.58) 0.337 6.80 12.70 7.90 18.70 2019 15.50
M2T1L2 74.00 (59.33) 0.281 7.60 13.50 7.20 17.90 1857 14.30
M 2T 1L 3 71.70 (57.86) 0.241 8.30 14.30 6.50 17.00 1686 13.40
M2T2L1 78.80 (62.60) 0.359 6.60 12.50 8.20 18.90 2134 15.80
M2T2L2 76.10 (60.76) 0.306 7.30 13.30 7.40 18.20 1949 14.70
M2T2L3 72.20 (58.19) 0.269 8.00 13.80 6.70 17.30 1731 13.80
Contd…..

Treatment Germination Speed of First count Final count Root length Shoot length Seedling Seedling dry
combination (%) germination (days) (days) (cm) (cm) vigour index weight (mg)
M2T3L2 69.30 (56.33) 0.240 7.80 13.60 6.80 17.50 1684 14.00
M2T3L3 66.90 (54.86) 0.213 8.70 14.60 6.00 16.50 1506 13.10
M2T4L1 70.40 (57.04) 0.282 7.40 13.10 7.10 18.10 1774 15.00
M2T4L2 68.70 (55.97) 0.207 8.00 13.80 6.50 17.10 1623 13.80
M2T4L3 65.40 (53.97) 0.161 9.00 14.80 5.40 16.10 1404 12.80
M3T1L1 71.40 (57.65) 0.269 7.40 13.30 7.00 18.00 1785 14.80
M3T1L2 68.00 (55.53) 0.230 8.30 14.00 6.50 17.00 1599 13.80
M3T1L3 65.30 (53.89) 0.195 9.20 14.70 5.40 16.10 1405 12.20
M3T2L1 73.20 (58.84) 0.289 7.30 13.10 7.40 18.30 1880 15.10
M3T2L2 69.40 (56.42) 0.254 7.90 13.70 6.70 17.40 1672 14.10
M3T2L3 66.30 (54.50) 0.207 8.80 14.40 5.80 16.70 1490 12.67
M3T3L1 68.60 (55.91) 0.234 7.70 13.60 6.70 17.60 1668 14.50
M3T3L2 65.90 (54.25) 0.201 8.50 14.20 6.20 16.70 1509 13.40
M3T3L3 62.70 (52.34) 0.172 9.50 15.30 5.10 15.60 1299 11.80
M3T4L1 67.30 (55.11) 0.207 7.80 13.80 6.50 17.20 1597 14.20
M3T4L2 64.60 (53.49) 0.171 8.90 14.50 6.23 16.30 1459 13.20
M3T4L3 61.00 (51.34) 0.141 9.70 15.60 4.80 15.20 1221 11.40
Mean 69.29 (56.39) 0.240 8.050 13.890 6.540 17.250 1655.00 13.87
SEm+ 1.83 0.003 0.22 0.35 0.19 0.25 59.25 0.29
CD at 5% 5.15 0.009 0.62 0.99 0.53 0.71 167.04 0.82
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
M 1 : Between paper M 2 : Top paper M 3 : Sand
T1 : 15 0 C T2 : 20 0 C T3 : 25 0 C T4 : 20 – 30 0 C
L1 : Light L2 : Dark with KNO3 (0.2%) L3 : Dark without KNO3 (0.2%)

Germination (%)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
M1T1L1
M1T1L2
M1T1L3
M1T2L1
M1T2L2
M1T2L3
M1T3L1
M1T3L2
M1T3L3
M1T4L1
M1T4L2
M1T4L3
M2T1L1
M2T1L2
M2T1L3
M2T2L1
M2T2L2
M2T2L3
M2T3L1
M2T3L2
Interaction
Fig. 4: Interaction effects on Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata ) seeds
Fig.4: Interaction effects on Kalmegh (Andrographics paniculata) seeds
M2T3L3
M2T4L1
M2T4L2
M2T4L3
M3T1L1
M3T1L2
M3T1L3
M3T2L1
M3T2L2
M3T2L3
M3T3L1
M3T3L2
M3T3L3
M3T4L1
M3T4L2
M3T4L3

The germination percentage due to seed treatments varied significantly at all the
months of storage period. At first month of storage period significantly highest germination
(81.50) was recorded by KNO3 (T3) treated seeds. This was followed by GA3 (T1) (77.90%)
treated seeds while the lowest germination was recorded in untreated seeds (T7) (51.15%).
Similar trend was observed upto three months of storage period. At the fourth month of
storage period, significantly highest germination (70.50%) was recorded by KNO3 treated
seeds, followed by kinetin (64.75%) treatment. The least germination was recorded in
untreated seeds (46.22%).
The trend was continued upto sixth month of storage period. And at the seventh
month of storage period, highest germination was in KNO3 treated seeds (60.20%) followed
by 55.70 per cent kinetin treated seeds, while the lowest germination was recorded in cow
urine treated seeds (34.80%) than control (39.75%). Similar trend was continued upto the end
of storage. At the ten months of storage KNO 3 treated seeds recorded highest germination of
51.55 per cent followed by kinetin treated seeds (46.55%) and the lowest was in cow urine
treated seeds (19.60%).
The germination percentage showed non-significant difference due to interaction of
seed source and seed treatment during seed storage was seen upto the end of storage
period.
Highest germination per cent was seen in S1T3 (85.70%) at first month followed by
S1T1 (81.20%) and lowest was recorded at S2T7 (47.80%). The trend was continued upto
three months and at fourth month S 1T 3 (78.60%) recorded highest germination followed by
S1T2 (71.60%) and lowest was S2T7 (41.00%). Similar trend was observed at fifth and sixth
month. At seventh month, S1T3 (68.10%) was highest followed by S1T2 (60.80%) and lowest
recorded was in S2T5 (28.30%) than control (32.40%). Storage period was completed in this
trend. At the tenth month of storage, S 1T 3 (58.40%) recorded highest germination followed by
S1T2 (50.30%) and lowest germination was recorded at S2T5 (15.10%).
4.2.1.2 Shoot length (cm)
The results on shoot length as influenced by seed source and seed treatments and
their interaction effects during storage are presented in Table 6.
Shoot length declined progressively as storage period advanced. The shoot length
differed significantly due to seed source at all the months of storage period. At first month of
storage shoot length was recorded significantly higher in fresh seeds (9.76 cm) over the old
seeds (8.31 cm). At the end of ten months of storage higher shoot length was recorded in S 1
(5.53 cm) and lower shoot length was recorded in S2 (4.04 cm).
The shoot length due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period. At first month of storage period significantly highest shoot length was
recorded in KNO3 (10.45 cm) treated seeds, followed by GA3 (10.15 cm) treated seeds. The
lowest shoot length was recorded in control (6.25 cm). Simialr trend was observed upto three
months of storage period. At the fourth month of storage period significantly highest shoot
length (9.50 cm) was recorded in KNO3 treated seeds, followed by kinetin (9.00 cm)
treatment. The lowest shoot length was recorded in control (5.35 cm).
The trend was continued upto sixth month of storage period and at the seventh month
of storage period highest shoot length was in KNO3 treated seeds (8.50 cm) followed by (7.95
cm) kinetin treated seeds. While, the lowest shoot length was recorded in cow urine treated
seeds (3.95 cm) than control (4.45 cm). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the
tenth month of storage, KNO3 treated seeds recorded highest shoot length of 7.35 cm
followed by kinetin treated seeds (6.90 cm). The lowest was in cow urine treated seeds (2.85
cm).
The shoot length showed significant difference in the interaction of seed treatments
and seed source in all the months of storage period. At the first month of storage period
highest shoot length (11.20 cm) was observed in S1T3 followed by S1T1 (10.90 cm). Lowest
shoot length was noticed in S2T7 (5.30 cm). This trend was continued upto three months of

Table 5: Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Tulsi seeds during storage
Treatments
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Seed source (S)
S1 74.69 (6012)* 72.31 (59.50) 69.75 (56.83) 66.58 (54.81) 62.14 (52.12) 58.27 (49.81) 52.76 (46.60) 48.51 (44.13) 43.57 (41.22) 39.29 (38.62)
S2 63.04 (52.74) 59.60 (50.63) 56.39 (48.71) 51.40 (45.80) 47.01 (43.25) 44.80 (41.96) 39.99 (39.10) 34.93 (35.99) 32.40 (34.42) 28.57 (31.89)
SEm+ 0.36 0.34 0.34 0.38 0.34 0.32 0.29 0.28 0.24 0.24
CD (5%) 1.03 0.99 0.97 1.09 0.97 0.92 0.64 0.80 0.71 0.69
Seed treatments (T)
T1 77.90 (62.01) 74.80 (59.97) 70.80 (57.41) 63.05 (52.65) 58.63 (50.01) 55.35 (48.08) 46.90 (43.20) 34.85 (36.03) 29.85 (33.01) 23.05 (28.54)
T2 74.00 (59.45) 70.90 (57.49) 67.75 (53.65) 64.75 (53.65) 61.40 (51.64) 57.63 (49.40) 55.70 (48.27) 52.50 (46.42) 49.15 (44.49) 46.55 (43.00)
T3 81.50 (64.74) 77.85 (62.06) 74.65 (57.31) 70.50 (57.31) 66.85 (55.02) 63.15 (52.72) 60.20 (50.95) 57.75 (49.48) 54.70 (47.71) 51.55 (45.88)
T4 61.15 (51.54) 59.00 (50.27) 55.70 (46.26) 52.20 (46.26) 50.20 (45.10) 47.45 (43.51) 37.65 (37.75) 33.35 (35.09) 27.85 (31.71) 25.55 (30.23)
T5 70.55 (57.26) 67.50 (55.34) 65.70 (50.93) 60.15 (50.93) 47.55 (43.56) 43.65 (41.30) 34.80 (36.04) 29.70 (32.83) 25.30 (30.08) 19.60 (26.12)
T6 65.75 (54.32) 62.40 (52.27) 59.70 (48.53) 56.08 (48.53) 54.25 (47.45) 51.85 (46.05) 49.60 (44.72) 45.95 (42.64) 42.70 (40.77) 38.60 (38.35)
T7 51.15 (45.64) 49.25 (44.55) 47.80 (42.80) 46.22 (42.80) 43.15 (41.00) 41.67 (40.13) 39.75 (39.00) 37.95 (37.92) 36.35 (36.95) 32.60 (34.66)
SEm+ 0.62 0.59 0.65 0.65 0.58 0.56 0.50 0.48 0.42 0.41
CD (5%) 1.79 1.71 1.90 1.90 1.69 1.59 1.45 1.39 1.23 1.20
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 81.20 (64.30) 79.80 (63.30) 76.90 (61.30) 70.30 (57.00) 65.40 (53.90) 61.30 (51.50) 52.10 (46.20) 42.60 (40.70) 35.40 (36.50) 27.70 (31.70)
S1T2 79.30 (62.90) 77.40 (61.60) 74.50 (59.70) 71.60 (57.80) 68.20 (55.70) 63.10 (52.60) 60.80 (51.20) 56.30 (48.60) 53.20 (46.80) 50.30 (45.20)
S1T3 85.70 (67.90) 82.60 (65.40) 80.70 (64.00) 78.60 (62.50) 75.40 (60.30) 71.20 (57.50) 68.10 (55.60) 64.70 (53.50) 62.00 (51.90) 58.40 (49.80)
S1T4 70.10 (56.80) 68.30 (55.70) 64.10 (53.20) 61.30 (51.50) 58.20 (49.70) 54.30 (47.50) 44.60 (41.90) 41.50 (40.10) 33.60 (35.40) 30.60 (33.60)
S1T5 77.60 (61.70) 74.30 (59.50) 72.00 (58.10) 68.40 (55.80) 55.70 (48.30) 50.20 (45.10) 41.30 (40.00) 37.00 (37.40) 30.20 (33.30) 24.10 (29.40)
S1T6 74.40 (59.60) 70.70 (57.20) 67.80 (55.40) 64.50 (53.40) 62.10 (52.00) 58.60 (49.90) 55.30 (48.00) 51.80 (46.00) 46.70 (43.10) 43.80 (41.40)
S1T7 54.50 (47.60) 53.10 (46.80) 52.20 (46.20) 51.40 (45.80) 50.00 (45.00) 49.20 (44.50) 47.10 (43.30) 45.70 (45.50) 43.90 (41.50) 40.10 (39.30)
S2T1 74.60 (59.70) 69.80 (56.60) 64.70 (53.50) 55.80 (48.30) 51.90 (46.10) 49.40 (44.60) 41.70 (40.20) 27.10 (31.30) 24.30 (29.50) 18.40 (25.30)
S2T2 68.70 (56.00) 64.40 (53.40) 61.00 (51.30) 57.90 (49.50) 54.60 (47.60) 52.20 (48.20) 50.60 (45.30) 48.70 (44.20) 45.10 (42.20) 42.80 (40.80)
S2T3 77.40 (61.60) 73.10 (58.70) 68.60 (55.90) 62.40 (52.20) 58.30 (49.80) 55.10 (47.90) 52.30 (46.30) 50.80 (45.40) 47.40 (43.50) 44.70 (41.90)
S2T4 52.20 (46.20) 49.70 (44.80) 47.30 (43.40) 43.10 (41.00) 42.20 (40.50) 40.60 (39.60) 30.70 (33.60) 25.20 (30.10) 22.10 (28.0) 20.50 (26.90)
S2T5 63.50 (52.80) 60.70 (51.20) 58.10 (49.60) 51.90 (46.10) 39.40 (38.90) 37.10 (37.50) 28.30 (32.10) 22.40 (28.20) 20.40 (26.80) 15.10 (22.90)
S2T6 57.10 (49.10) 54.10 (47.30) 51.60 (45.90) 47.70 (43.70) 46.40 (42.90) 45.10 (42.20) 43.90 (41.50) 40.10 (39.30) 38.70 (38.50) 33.40 (35.360)
S2T7 47.80 (43.70) 45.40 (42.30) 43.40 (41.20) 41.00 (39.80) 36.30 (37.00) 34.10 (35.70) 32.40 (34.70) 30.20 (33.30) 28.80 (32.40) 25.10 (30.10)
Mean 68.90 (56.40) 66.00 (54.60) 63.10 (52.80) 59.00 (50.30) 54.58 (47.70) 51.54 (45.90) 46.40 (42.90) 41.72 (40.10) 37.99 (37.80) 33.93 (35.30)
SEm+ 0.92 0.94 0.90 1.03 0.91 0.81 0.83 0.70 0.61 0.60
CD (5%) 2.76 2.82 2.70 3.09 2.73 2.43 2.49 2.10 1.90 1.80
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
S 1 – Fresh seeds S 2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Germination (%)
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
S1T1 S1T2 S1T3 S1T4 S1T5 S1T6 S1T7 S2T1 S2T2 S2T3 S2T4 S2T5 S2T6 S2T7
Interaction
Fig. 5: Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Tulsi seeds during storage
Fig.5. Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Tulsi seeds during storage
1 4 7 10

storage. At fourth month highest shoot length was recorded in S 1T 3 (10.10 cm)
followed by S1T2 (9.70 cm) and the lowest shoot length was observed in S2T7 (4.50 cm). The
trend was similar upto sixth month of storage period. At the seventh month highest shoot
length was observed in S1T3 (9.30 cm) followed by S1T2 (8.70 cm), while the lowest shoot
length was recorded in S 2T 5 (2.70 cm) than S 2T 7 (3.40 cm). There was similar trend upto the
end of storage period.
At the end of tenth month of storage period S1T3 recorded highest shoot length (8.10
cm) followed by S1T2 (7.70 cm) and lowest shoot length was observed in S3T5 (2.10 cm).
4.2.1.3 Root length (cm)
The results on root length as influenced by seed source and seed treatments and
their interaction effects during storage are presented in Table 7.
Root length declined progressively as storage period advanced. The root length
differed significantly due to seed quality at all the months of storage period. At first month of
storage root length was recorded. Significantly higher in fresh seeds (6.40 cm) over the old
seeds (5.54 cm). At the end of ten months storage higher root length was recorded in fresh
seeds (3.59 cm) and lower root length was recorded in old seeds (2.40 cm).
The root length due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period. At first month of storage period significantly highest root length was recorded
in KNO3 (6.85 cm) treated seeds (T3) followed by GA3 (6.58 cm) treated seeds (T1). The
lowest root length was observed upto three months of storage period. At the fourth month of
storage period significantly highest root length (6.05 cm) was recorded in KNO 3 treated
seeds, followed by kinetin (5.55 cm) treatment. The lowest root length was recorded in control
(4.00 cm). The trend was continued upto sixth month of storage period. And at the seventh
month of storage period, highest root length was noticed in T3 (5.30 cm) followed by T2 (4.75
cm), while the lowest root length was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated seeds (3.10 cm) than
control (3.50 cm). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage
(T3) recorded highest root length of 4.40 cm followed by T2 (3.80 cm) and the lowest was in T5
seeds (1.95 cm).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments showed significant upto the end
of storage. At ninth and ten months, it was significant. At the first month of storage period
highest root length (7.40 cm) was observed in S1T3 followed by S1T1 (7.07 cm). This trend
was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest root length was
recorded in S1T3 (6.70 cm) followed by S1T2 (6.10 cm) and the lowest root length was
observed in S2T7 (4.10 cm). The trend was similar upto sixth month of storage period. At the
seventh month highest root length was observed in S1T3 (6.00 cm) followed by S1T2 (5.40
cm), while the lowest root length was recorded in S2T5 (2.60 cm) than S2T7 (3.00 cm). This
was continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of tenth month of storage period
S1T3 recorded highest root length (5.00 cm) followed by S1T2 (4.60 cm) and lowest root length
was observed in S2T5 (1.40 cm).
4.2.1.4 Seedling vigour index (SVI)
The results on seedling vigour index as influenced by seed source and seed
treatments and their interaction effects during ten months of storage period are presented in
Table 8.
Seedling vigour index decreased gradually as storage period progressed. The
seedling vigour index differed significantly due to seed source at all the months of storage
period. At first month of storage, seedling vigour index was recorded significantly higher in
fresh seeds (S1) (1226) over the old seeds (S2) (893). At the end of ten months storage higher
seedling vigour index was recorded in S1 (398) and lower seedling vigour index was recorded
in S2 (212).
The seedling vigour index due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the
months of storage period. At first month of storage period significantly highest seedling vigour
index was recorded in KNO3 (1417) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (1308) treated seeds

Table 6: Effect of seed treatment on shoot length (cm) of Tulsi seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 9.76 9.47 9.16 8.79 8.36 8.04 6.94 6.13 5.79 5.53
S2 8.31 8.04 7.80 7.44 6.99 6.69 5.50 4.66 4.43 4.04
SEm+ 0.12 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.06 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.05
CD (5%) 0.34 0.19 0.21 0.13 0.18 0.20 0.17 0.15 0.16 0.14
Seed treatments (T)
T1 10.15 9.85 9.50 8.75 8.45 8.10 7.10 3.85 3.72 3.20
T2 9.70 9.45 9.20 9.00 8.70 8.40 7.95 7.65 7.20 6.90
T3 10.45 10.15 9.85 9.50 9.15 8.85 8.50 8.10 7.70 7.35
T4 8.40 8.15 7.90 7.60 7.40 7.10 4.25 3.60 3.45 3.40
T5 9.40 9.10 8.85 8.45 7.05 6.70 3.95 3.40 3.15 2.85
T6 8.90 8.60 8.45 8.15 7.85 7.60 7.35 7.00 6.60 6.15
T7 6.25 6.00 5.60 5.35 5.10 4.80 4.45 4.15 3.95 3.65
SEm+ 0.07 0.11 0.13 0.07 0.11 0.12 0.10 0.09 0.09 0.09
CD (5%) 0.20 0.32 0.37 0.22 0.32 0.34 0.29 0.26 0.28 0.25
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 10.90 10.60 10.20 9.40 9.10 8.80 7.70 4.60 4.33 4.00
S1T2 10.40 10.20 9.90 9.70 9.40 9.10 8.70 8.50 8.0 7.70
S1T3 11.20 10.80 10.50 10.10 9.80 9.60 9.30 8.90 8.40 8.10
S1T4 9.00 8.80 8.50 8.20 8.00 7.70 5.00 4.30 4.10 4.20
S1T5 10.10 9.80 9.50 9.10 7.70 7.30 4.70 4.10 3.80 3.60
S1T6 9.50 9.20 9.00 8.80 8.50 8.20 8.00 7.60 7.20 6.70
S1T7 7.20 6.90 6.50 6.20 6.00 5.60 5.20 4.90 4.70 4.40
S2T1 9.40 9.10 8.80 8.10 7.80 7.40 6.50 3.10 3.10 2.40
S2T2 9.00 8.70 8.50 8.30 8.00 7.70 7.20 6.80 6.40 6.10
S2T3 9.70 9.50 9.20 8.90 8.50 8.10 7.70 7.30 7.00 6.60
S2T4 7.80 7.50 7.30 7.00 6.80 6.50 3.50 2.90 2.80 2.60
S2T5 8.70 8.40 8.20 7.80 6.40 6.10 3.20 2.70 2.50 2.10
S2T6 8.30 8.00 7.90 7.50 7.20 7.00 6.70 6.40 6.00 5.60
S2T7 5.30 5.10 4.70 4.50 4.20 4.00 3.70 3.40 3.20 2.90
Mean 9.04 8.76 8.48 8.11 7.67 7.36 6.22 5.39 5.11 7.79
SEm+ 0.18 0.17 0.19 0.11 0.17 0.18 0.15 0.13 0.15 0.13
CD (5%) 0.54 0.51 0.53 0.33 0.51 0.54 0.45 0.39 0.45 0.39
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Table 7: Effect of seed treatment on root length (cm) of Tulsi seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 6.40 6.17 5.97 5.53 5.25 5.03 4.54 4.23 3.99 3.59
S2 5.54 5.21 4.90 4.46 4.14 3.96 3.41 3.07 2.84 2.40
SEm+ 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03
CD (5%) 0.18 0.17 0.16 0.15 0.15 0.13 0.11 0.11 0.10 0.09
Seed treatments (T)
T1 6.58 6.35 6.10 5.25 5.05 4.90 3.85 3.15 3.00 2.25
T2 6.35 6.05 5.75 5.55 5.30 5.10 4.75 4.40 4.15 3.80
T3 6.85 6.65 6.28 6.05 5.80 5.55 5.30 5.00 4.70 4.40
T4 5.45 5.20 4.95 4.50 4.30 4.05 3.30 3.00 2.70 2.45
T5 6.20 5.75 5.55 4.90 4.13 3.90 3.10 2.80 2.50 1.95
T6 5.80 5.50 5.25 4.70 4.50 4.25 4.05 3.85 3.65 3.25
T7 4.55 4.35 4.15 4.00 3.80 3.70 3.50 3.35 3.20 2.85
SEm+ 0.11 0.10 0.10 0.09 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.05
CD (5%) 0.31 0.29 0.28 0.26 0.26 0.23 0.20 0.19 0.17 0.16
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 7.07 6.90 6.70 5.80 5.60 5.40 4.40 3.70 3.50 2.80
S1T2 6.80 6.50 6.30 6.10 5.90 5.70 5.40 5.10 4.90 4.60
S1T3 7.40 7.20 7.00 6.70 6.50 6.20 6.00 5.70 5.40 5.00
S1T4 5.80 5.60 5.40 5.00 4.80 4.50 3.80 3.50 3.20 3.00
S1T5 6.60 6.20 6.00 5.40 4.67 4.40 3.60 3.30 3.00 2.50
S1T6 6.10 6.00 5.70 5.20 5.00 4.80 4.60 4.40 4.20 3.80
S1T7 5.00 4.80 4.70 4.50 4.30 4.20 4.00 3.90 3.70 3.40
S2T1 6.10 5.80 5.50 4.70 4.50 4.40 3.30 2.60 2.50 1.70
S2T2 5.90 5.60 5.20 5.00 4.70 4.50 4.10 3.70 3.40 3.00
S2T3 6.30 6.10 5.57 5.40 5.10 4.90 4.60 4.30 4.00 3.80
S2T4 5.10 4.80 4.50 4.00 3.80 3.60 2.80 2.50 2.20 1.90
S2T5 5.80 5.30 5.10 4.40 3.60 3.40 2.60 2.30 2.00 1.40
S2T6 5.50 5.00 4.80 4.20 4.00 3.70 3.50 3.30 3.10 2.70
S2T7 4.10 3.90 3.60 3.50 3.30 3.20 3.00 2.80 2.70 2.30
Mean 5.97 5.69 5.43 4.99 4.70 4.49 3.98 3.65 3.41 2.99
SEm+ 0.16 0.15 0.15 0.14 0.13 0.12 0.10 0.10 0.09 0.08
CD (5%) 0.48 0.45 0.45 0.42 0.39 0.36 0.30 0.30 0.25 0.24
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

(T 1). The lowest root length was recorded in control (T 7) (557). Similar trend was
observed upto three months of storage period. At the fourth month of storage period
significantly highest seedling vigour index (1107) was recorded in KNO3 (T3) treated seeds
followed by kinetin (T2) (951) treatment. The lowest seedling vigour index was recorded in
control (T 7) (439). The trend was continued upto sixth month of storage period. And at the
seventh month of storage period, highest seedling vigour index was noticed in T3 (843)
followed by T2 (715). While, the lowest root length was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated
seeds (254) than control (326). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month
of storage, T 3 recorded highest seedling vigour index of 615 followed by T 2 (505) and the
lowest was in T5 seeds (100).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments showed significant upto the end
of storage from seventh month significant difference was seen upto the end of storage period.
At the first month of storage period, highest seedling vigour index (1595) was observed in
S1T3 followed by S1T1 (1459). Lowest seedling vigour index was noticed in S2T4 (449). This
trend was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest seedling vigour
index was recorded in S1T3 (1321) followed by S1T2 (1131) and lowest seedling vigour index
was observed in S 2T 7 (329). The trend was similar upto sixth month of storage period. At the
seventh month highest seedling vigour index was observed in S1T3 (1042) followed by S1T2
(857.47), while the lowest seedling vigour index was recorded in S2T5 (193) than S2T7 (28).
This was continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of tenth month of storage
period, S 1T 3 recorded highest seedling vigour index of 765 followed by S 1T 2 (619) and lowest
seedling vigour index was observed in S2T5 (53).
4.2.1.5 Electrical conductivity (dS/m)
The results on electrical conductivity as influenced by seed source and seed
treatments and their interaction effects during ten months of storage period are presented in
Table 9.
Electrical conductivity increased progressively as storage period advanced. The
electrical conductivity differed significantly due to seed quality at all the months of storage
period. At first month of storage, electrical conductivity was recorded. Significantly lower in
fresh seeds (S1) (0.212 ds/m) over the old seeds (S2) (0.354 ds/m). At the end of ten months
storage lower electrical conductivity was recorded in S1 (0.532 ds/m) and higher electrical
conductivity was recorded in S2 (0.823 ds/m).
The electrical conductivity due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the
months of storage period. At first month of storage period significantly lowest EC was
recorded in KNO3 (0.276 ds/m) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (0.279 ds/m) treated
seeds (T1). And the highest EC was recorded in control (0.369) (T7). Similar trend was
observed upto three months of storage period. At the fourth month of storage period
significantly lowest EC (0.308 ds/m) was recorded in KNO3 (T3) treated seeds, followed by
kinetin (T2) (0.342 ds/m) treatment. The highest EC was recorded in control (T7) (0.516 ds/m).
The trend was continued upto sixth month of storage period. And at the seventh month of
storage period. And at the seventh month of storage period, lowest EC was noticed in T 3
(0.382 ds/m) followed by T2 (0.432 ds/m), while the highest EC was recorded in cow urine (T5)
treated seeds (0.657 ds/m) than control (0.595 ds/m). Similar trend was upto the end of
storage. At the tenth month of storage, T3 recorded lowest EC of 0.484 followed by T2 (0.527
ds/m) and highest was in T 5 seeds (0.845 ds/m).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments showed significant in all the
months of seed storage.
At the first month of storage period, lowest EC (0.205 ds/m) was observed in S1T3
followed by S 1T 1 (0.208 ds/m) highest EC was noticed in S 2T 7 (0.493 ds/m). This trend was
continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month, lowest EC was recorded in S1T3
(0.231 ds/m) followed by S1T2 (0.256 ds/m). And highest EC was observed in S1T7 (0.570
ds/m). The trend was similar upto sixth month of storage period. At the seventh month, lowest
EC was observed in S1T3 (0.302 ds/m) followed by S1T2 (0.336 ds/m), while the highest EC
was recorded in S2T5 (0.788 ds/m) than S2T7 (0.721 ds/m). This was continued upto the end
of storage period. At the end of tenth month of storage period, S1T3 recorded lowest EC

Table 8: Effect of seed treatment on seedling vigour index of Tulsi seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 1226 1150 1073 968 961 775 628 527 453 398
S2 893 808 732 625 537 490 378 297 261 212
SEm+ 13.77 14.34 13.21 11.36 11.11 10.52 7.90 6.37 6.19 5.03
CD (5%) 39.89 41.54 38.26 32.89 32.19 30.47 22.89 18.46 17.92 14.58
Seed treatments (T)
T1 1308 1219 1114 892 801 728 520 254 207 132
T2 1194 1107 1022 951 868 785 715 639 564 505
T3 1417 1314 1213 1107 1011 921 843 767 688 615
T4 857 798 725 642 596 537 293 230 178 157
T5 1109 1011 945 813 542 470 254 193 149 100
T6 974 889 826 731 679 623 573 506 443 369
T7 557 516 473 439 394 364 326 295 270 222
SEm+ 23.85 24.84 22.88 19.67 19.24 18.22 13.69 11.04 10.72 8.72
CD (5%) 69.09 71.96 66.27 56.98 55.75 52.77 39.64 31.97 31.04 25.25
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 1459 1397 1301 1070 963 871 631 354 278 189
S1T2 1364 1293 1207 1131 1043 933 857 766 686 619
S1T3 1595 1488 1413 1321 1230 1125 1042 945 856 765
S1T4 1039 985 892 810 745 663 392 324 246 220
S1T5 1296 1189 1117 992 689 588 343 274 204 147
S1T6 1161 1075 997 903 838 763 698 622 533 460
S1T7 665 622 585 550 515 483 434 402 370 313
S2T1 1157 1041 926 715 639 584 409 154 136 76
S2T2 1024 922 837 770 694 637 572 512 443 390
S2T3 1239 1141 1014 893 792 716 643 590 521 465
S2T4 674 612 559 474 448 411 193 137 111 93
S2T5 922 833 774 634 394 353 165 111 92 53
S2T6 788 703 655 559 520 484 448 389 352 277
S2T7 449 409 360 329 273 245 218 188 170 131
Mean 1059 979 902 796 698 632 503 411 357 299
SEm+ 36.43 37.94 34.94 30.04 29.40 27.82 20.90 16.86 16.37 13.32
CD (5%) 109.29 113.82 104.82 90.12 88.20 83.46 60.56 48.83 47.42 38.57
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Table 9: Effect of seed treatment on electrical conductivity (dS/m) of seed leachate of Tulsi seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 0.212 0.225 0.291 0.291 0.332 0.364 0.424 0.470 0.491 0.532
S2 0.354 0.388 0.475 0.519 0.519 0.564 0.648 0.700 0.752 0.823
SEm+ 0.001 0.002 0.003 0.00 0.002 0.02 0.003 0.003 0.004 0.006
CD (5%) 0.003 0.006 0.009 0.006 0.006 0.007 0.008 0.010 0.011 0.017
Seed treatments (T)
T1 0.259 0.279 0.295 0.361 0.394 0.424 0.545 0.660 0.698 0.809
T2 0.268 0.289 0.311 0.342 0.369 0.393 0.432 0.470 0.500 0.527
T3 0.252 0.276 0.288 0.308 0.326 0.360 0.382 0.420 0.447 0.484
T4 0.297 0.323 0.385 0.427 0.456 0.504 0.625 0.680 0.730 0.782
T5 0.279 0.298 0.331 0.377 0.485 0.537 0.657 00.720 0.763 0.845
T6 0.288 0.310 0.356 0.402 0.435 0.473 0.517 0.510 0.546 0.583
T7 0.342 0.369 0.424 0.466 0.516 0.561 0.595 0.640 0.669 0.715
SEm+ 0.002 0.003 0.002 0.005 0.004 0.004 0.005 0.010 0.007 0.010
CD (5%) 0.004 0.009 0.005 0.016 0.011 0.012 0.014 0.020 0.020 0.029
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 0.208 0.213 0.226 0.269 0.293 0.315 0.437 0.520 0.539 0.619
S1T2 0.213 0.216 0.233 0.258 0.276 0.297 0.336 0.390 0.408 0.432
S1T3 0.205 0.216 0.219 0.231 0.252 0.288 0.302 0.340 0.354 0.379
S1T4 0.216 0.235 0.306 0.332 0.3633 0.399 0.492 0.530 0.561 0.598
S1T5 0.213 0.221 0.258 0.283 0.387 0.428 0.526 0.570 0.591 0.644
S1T6 0.214 0.228 0.279 0.305 0.348 0.372 0.408 0.430 0.461 0.489
S1T7 0.218 0.245 0.329 0.361 0.406 0.451 0.469 0.500 0.521 0.566
S2T1 0.309 0.344 0.363 0.452 0.494 0.532 0.653 0.800 0.856 0.998
S2T2 0.323 0.361 0.368 0.427 0.461 0.488 0.528 0.560 0.592 0.621
S2T3 0.299 0.336 0.357 0.384 0.399 0.432 0.461 0.500 0.539 0.588
S2T4 0.378 0.411 0.463 0.522 0.549 0.608 0.758 0.830 0.898 0.966
S2T5 0.345 0.375 0.403 0.471 0.583 0.646 0.788 0.860 0.934 1.046
S2T6 0.361 0.393 0.432 0.498 0.521 0.573 0.626 0.580 0.630 0.677
S2T7 0.465 0.493 0.518 0.570 0.626 0.671 0.721 0.780 0.817 0.864
Mean 0.283 0.306 0.341 0.383 0.426 0.464 0.536 0.580 0.622 0.678
SEm+ 0.002 0.005 0.004 0.008 0.006 0.006 0.008 0.010 0.010 0.015
CD (5%) 0.007 0.013 0.013 0.023 0.016 0.018 0.022 0.030 0.030 0.044
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

(0.379 ds/m) followed by S1T2 (0.432 ds/m) and highest EC was observed in S2T5
(1.046 ds/m).
4.2.1.6 Nursery establishment
The results on nursery establishment germination as influenced by seed source and
seed treatments and their interaction effects during storage are presented in Table 10.
Seed germination in nursery establishment declined progressively as storage period
advanced. The germination differed significantly due to seed source at all the months of
storage period. At first month of storage germination was recorded. Significantly higher in
fresh seeds (S1) (66.53%) over the old seeds (53.90%) (T2) was recorded. At the end of ten
months storage higher germination was recorded in S1 (31.14%) and lower germination was
recorded in S2 (23.36%).
The germination due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period. At first month of storage period significantly highest germination was recorded
in KNO3 (71.45%) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (68.45%) treated seeds (T1). The
lowest germination was recorded in control (42.15%) (T7). Similar trend was observed upto
three months of storage period. At the fourth month of storage period, significantly highest
germination percentage (61.30%) was recorded in KNO3 (T3) treated seeds, followed by
kinetin (T2) (56.75%) treatment. The lowest germination was recorded in control (T7)
(36.25%). The trend was continued upto sixth months of storage period. And at the seventh
month of storage period, highest germnation was noticed in T 3 (51.90%) followed by T 2
(47.60%), while the lowest root length was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated seeds (26.50%)
than control (31.55%). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of
storage, T3 recorded highest germination of 41.05 per cent followed by T2 (36.80%) and
lowest was in T 5 seeds (15.85%).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments showed significant at all the
months of storage period.
At the first month of storage period, highest germination (77.60%) was observed in
S1T3 followed by S1T1 (74.30%). Lowest rot length was noticed in S2T7 (37.10%). This trend
was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest germination was
recorded in S1T3 (68.50%) followed by S1T2 (64.60%) and the lowest germination was
observed in S2T7 (30.20%). The trend was similar upto sixth month of storage period. At the
seventh month highest germination was observed in S 1T 3 (58.60%) followed by S 1T 2
(54.40%), while the lowest root length was recorded in S2T5 (21.40%) than S2T7 (26.90%).
This was continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of tenth month of storage
period, S1T3 recorded highest germination (47.10%) followed by S1T2 (42.40%) and lowest
root length was observed in S 2T 5 (14.00%).
4.2.1.7 Seed health
Differences on seed health was noticed due to interaction between seed source and
seed treatments during storage period are presented in Table 11.
Fresh seeds
At the initial period of storage the pathogens were absent as the storage period
increased the infection also increased. At the end of fifth month of storage period, the seeds
treated with cow urine (S1T5) recorded traces of pathogen as compared to other treatments.
The control or untreated seeds showed moderately infection (5 – 20%). At the end of tenth
month of storage (S1T3) KNO3 treated seeds recorded (5 – 20%) moderate infection
compared to other treatments. High infection was noticed in S1T7 (20 – 40%).
The initial month of storage recorded the traces of pathogen in S2T7 (control) than
other treatments. At the fifth month of storage compared to other treatments more infection (5
– 20%) was observed in control (S2T7) and lowest or traces of infection was seen in cow urine

Table 10: Effect of seed treatment on field emergence (%) of Tulsi seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 66.53 (54.81)* 64.50 (53.54) 61.46 (51.69) 58.53 (49.94) 53.73 (47.14) 50.70 (45.39) 43.93 (41.43) 39.41 (38.75) 36.01 (36.68) 31.14 (33.58)
S2 53.90 (47.24) 50.29 (45.14) 47.39 (43.45) 43.39 (41.13) 39.53 (38.86) 36.84 (37.27) 32.30 (34.45) 28.52 (32.03) 26.06 (30.43) 23.36 (28.61)
SEm+ 0.39 0.37 0.33 0.30 0.26 0.27 0.23 0.23 0.21 0.18
CD (5%) 1.12 1.07 0.96 0.87 0.76 0.79 0.68 0.65 0.61 0.53
Seed treatments (T)
T1 68.45 (55.90) 65.1 (553.91) 61.60 (51.76) 54.40 (47.54) 50.15 (45.07) 47.25 (43.39) 38.95 (38.54) 27.17 (31.34) 25.00 (29.89) 18.25 (25.24)
T2 65.20 (53.93) 82.20 (52.14) 58.85 (50.14) 56.75 (48.91) 53.70 (47.13) 50.15 (45.07) 47.60 (43.59) 44.00 (41.50) 40.50 (39.46) 36.80 (37.28)
T3 71.45 (57.82) 67.10 (55.12) 64.35 (53.42) 61.30 (51.59) 57.85 (49.55) 54.40 (47.54) 51.90 (46.08) 48.46 (44.08) 44.85 (41.99) 41.05 (39.78)
T4 55.00 (47.89) 52.45 (46.41) 49.05 (44.43) 46.45 (42.92) 43.15 (40.99) 40.05 (39.17) 28.75 (32.33) 25.00 (29.88) 22.20 (28.01) 20.20 (26.66)
T5 61.50 (51.71) 58.80 (50.11) 55.90 (48.42) 52.20 (46.26) 40.80 (39.60) 37.70 (37.77) 26.50 (30.86) 23.35 (28.77) 19.85 (26.36) 15.85 (23.40)
T6 57.75 (49.48) 55.70 (48.29) 52.75 (46.58) 49.35 (44.60) 46.40 (42.89) 43.76 (41.36) 41.56 (40.07) 39.80 (39.05) 36.80 (37.27) 33.00 (34.97)
T7 42.15 (40.43) 40.33 (9.385) 38.45 (38.26) 36.23 (6.935) 34.35 (35.78) 33.10 (35.01) 31.65 (34.10) 30.00 (33.12) 28.05 (31.90) 25.60 (30.31)
SEm+ 0.67 0.64 0.58 0.52 0.45 0.47 0.40 0.39 0.36 0.32
CD (5%) 1.94 1.86 1.67 1.51 1.32 1.37 1.17 1.13 1.05 0.92
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 74.30 (59.52) 72.20 (58.17) 68.40 (55.78) 62.70 (52.34) 56.10 (48.49) 53.80 (47.16) 45.20 (42.23) 31.20 (33.94) 29.30 (32.74) 20.40 (26.84)
S1T2 71.50 (57.75) 70.10 (56.84) 6.10 (54.37) 64.60 (53.47) 60.80 (51.22) 57.10 (49.06) 54.40 (47.51) 50.80 (45.44) 46.70 (43.09) 42.40 (40.61)
S1T3 77.60 (61.74) 74.10 (59.43) 71.30 (57.59) 68.50 (55.85) 64.90 (53.65) 61.70 (51.75) 58.60 (49.93) 55.10 (47.91) 51.60 (45.90) 47.10 (43.32)
S1T4 62.60 (52.29) 60.60 (51.11) 56.20 (48.54) 54.20 (47.39) 51.10 (45.61) 47.70 (43.66) 33.40 (35.28) 29.90 (33.13) 26.20 (30.77) 22.10 (28.03)
S1T5 68.40 (55.79) 66.30 (54.50) 64.00 (53.12) 60.10 (50.81) 49.20 (44.52) 45.30 (42.29) 31.60 (34.18) 27.80 (31.80) 23.40 (28.91) 17.70 (24.85)
S1T6 64.10 (53.17) 62.80 (52.40) 60.30 (50.93) 67.30 (49.18) 63.40 (46.93) 50.40 (45.21) 48.10 (43.89) 46.20 (42.80) 42.80 (40.84) 38.70 (38.45)
S1T7 47.20 (43.37) 45.40 (42.34) 43.90 (41.48) 42.30 (40.55) 40.60 (39.56) 38.90 (38.56) 36.20 (36.97) 34.90 (36.20) 32.10 (34.49) 29.60 (32.95)
S2T1 62.60 (52.28) 58.10 (49.66) 54.80 (47.74) 46.10 (42.74) 44.20 (41.65) 40.70 (39.62) 32.70 (34.86) 23.10 (28.73) 20.70 (27.05) 16.10 (23.65)
S2T2 58.90 (50.11) 54.30 (47.45) 51.60 (45.90) 48.90 (44.35) 46.60 (43.03) 43.20 (41.07) 40.80 (39.68) 37.20 (37.55) 34.30 (35.83) 31.20 (33.94)
S2T3 65.30 (53.89) 60.10 (50.81) 57.40 (49.24) 54.10 (47.34) 50.80 (45.44) 47.10 (43.32) 45.20 (42.23) 41.80 (40.26) 38.10 (38.09) 35.0 (36.25)
S2T4 47.40 (43.49) 44.30 (41.71) 41.90 (40.32) 38.70 (38.45) 35.20 (36.38) 32.40 (34.67) 24.10 (29.38) 20.10 (26.62) 18.20 (25.24) 18.30 (25.30)
S2T5 54.60 (47.63) 51.30 (45.73) 47.80 (43.72) 44.30 (41.71) 32.40 (34.67) 30.10 (33.26) 21.40 (27.54) 18.90 (25.74) 16.30 (23.80) 14.00 (21.96)
S2T6 51.40 (45.78) 48.60 (44.18) 45.20 (42.23) 41.40 (40.03) 39.40 (38.86) 37.10 (37.50) 35.00 (36.24) 33.40 (35.29) 30.80 (33.69) 27.30 (31.48)
S2T7 37.10 (37.48) 35.30 (36.42) 33.003 (5.04) 30.20 (33.31) 28.10 (32.00) 27.30 (31.46) 26.90 (31.23) 25.10 (30.05) 24.00 (29.31) 21.60 (27.68)
Mean 60.21 (51.02) 57.39 (49.34) 54.42 (47.57) 50.96 (45.54) 46.63 (43.00) 43.77 (41.33) 38.11 (37.94) 33.97 (35.39) 31.04 (33.55) 27.25 (31.09)
SEm+ 1.03 0.98 0.88 0.79 0.69 0.72 0.62 0.60 0.55 0.49
CD (5%) 3.09 2.94 2.64 2.37 2.07 2.16 1.86 1.80 1.65 1.41
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Table 11: Effect of seed treatment on seed health in Tulsi seeds during storage
Treatments
1 st month after
storage
Fresh seeds Old seeds
5 th month after
storage
10 th month after
storage
P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3
Treatments
1 st month after
storage
5 th month after
storage
10 th month after
storage
P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3
S1T1 - - - + + + - ++ ++ S2T1 - - - + ++ - ++ ++ +++
S1T2 - - - + ++ - + ++ +++ S2T2 - - - + + + + ++ ++
S 1T 3 - - - + + - + ++ ++ S 2T 3 - - - - + - ++ ++ +
S1T4 - - - + ++ ++ ++ ++ +++ S2T4 - - + + + ++ +++ ++ +++
S1T5 - - - - - + ++ + +++ S2T5 - - - - + - ++ + ++
S1T6 - - - - ++ - ++ +++ ++ S2T6 - - - - + ++ + ++ +++
S 1T 7 - - - ++ ++ ++ +++ +++ +++ S 2T 7 + + + ++ ++ ++ +++ +++ +++
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T 5 – Cow urine (10%) T 6 – Cold stratification T 7 – Control
+ - Traces of infection (0.5%) ++ - 5 – 20% of infection +++ - 20 – 40% of infection
P1 – Aspergillus spp. P2 – Rhizophus spp. P3 – Penicillium spp.

(S 2T 5). At the end of tenth month of storage, high infection (20 – 40%) was observed
in control (S2T7).
4.2.2 Ashwagandha
4.2.2.1 Germination percentage
The results on germination as influenced by seeds source and seed treatments and
their interaction effects during storage period are presented in Table 12.
Germination declined progressively as storage period advances, the germination
differed significantly due to seed source at all the months of storage period. At first month of
storage germination recorded significantly higher in fresh seeds (69.19%) compared to old
seeds (61.33%). At the end of ten months storage higher germination was recorded in S1
(35.27%) and lower germination was recorded in S2 (23.99%).
The germination due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the moths of
storage period. At first month of storage period, significantly highest germination was
recorded in KNO3 (78.20%) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (74.90%) treated seeds (T1).
The lowest germination was recorded in control (43.15%) (T7). Similar trend was observed
upto three months of storage period. At the fourth month of storage period, significantly
highest germination (67.15%) was recorded in KNO 3 (T 3) treated seeds, followed by kinetin
(T2) (61.75%) treatment. The lowest germination was recorded in control (T7) (36.35%). The
trend was continued upto sixth month of storage period. And at the seventh month of storage
period, highest germination was noticed in T3 (56.85%) followed by T2 (52.15%), while the
lowest germination was recorded in cow urine (T 5) treated seeds (28.25%) than control
(31.55%). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage T3
recorded highest germination of 46.25 per cent followed by T2 (41.90%) and the lowest was in
T5 seeds (18.60%).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments showed significant difference for
germination.
At the first month of storage period highest germination (81.60%) was observed in
S1T3 followed by S1T1 (78.30%). Lowest germination was noticed in S2T7 (37.00%). This trend
was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest germination was
recorded in S1T3 (70.20%) followed by S1T2 (65.10%) and the lowest root length was
observed in S2T7 (30.00%). The trend was similar upto sixth month of storage period. At the
seventh month, highest germination was observed in S1T3 (62.80%) followed by S1T2
(58.10%), while the lowest was recorded in S 2T 5 (24.10%) than S 2T 7 (27.00%). This was
continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of ten months of storage period S1T3
recorded highest germination (54.30%) followed by S1T2 (49.70%) and lowest germination
was observed in S2T5 (12.40%).
4.2.2.2 Shoot length (cm)
The results on shoot length (cm) as influenced by seed source and seed treatments
and their interaction effects during storage period are presented in Table 13.
Shoot length decreased gradually as storage period advanced. The shoot length
differed significantly due to seed source at all the months of storage period. At first month of
storage shoot length recorded, significantly higher in fresh seeds (S1) (9.07 cm) over the old
seeds (S2) (7.00 cm). At the end of ten months storage higher shoot length was recorded in
S1 (3.51 cm) and lower shoot length was in S2 (2.90 cm) seeds.
The shoot length due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period.
At first month of storage period, significantly highest shoot length was recorded in
KNO3 (11.90 cm) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (10.40 cm) treated seeds (T1). The
lowest shoot length was recorded in control (T 7) (4.45 cm). Similar trend was observed upto
three months of storage period. At the fourth month of storage period significantly highest
shoot length (8.85 cm) was recorded in KNO3 (T3) treated seeds, followed by kinetin (T2 (7.20

Table 12: Effect of seed treatment on germination of Ashwagandha seeds during storage
Treatments
1 2 3 4
Months of storage
5 6
Seed source (S)
7 8 9 10
S1 69.19 (56.54)* 66.33 (54.68) 63.07 (52.67) 58.30 (49.83) 54.31 (47.50) 52.20 (46.26) 45.56 (42.26) 40.91 (39.63) 38.56 (38.21) 35.27 (36.19)
S2 61.33 (51.67) 58.59 (50.00) 55.33 (48.06) 50.91 (45.48) 47.21 (43.33) 43.05 (40.90) 36.63 (40.90) 31.59 (33.92) 28.41 (31.94) 23.99 (28.88)
SEm+ 0.41 0.38 0.36 0.33 0.32 0.29 0.27 0.21 0.21 0.21
CD (5%) 1.17 1.11 1.05 0.97 0.92 0.83 0.77 0.61 0.61 0.60
Pre-sowing treatments
T1 74.90 (59.97) 70.70 (57.27) 66.90 (54.91) 58.70 (50.01) 55.70 (48.26) 52.10 (46.19) 43.60 (41.30) 28.40 (32.12) 26.60 (30.97) 19.35 (25.96)
T2 71.25 (57.61) 67.90 (55.52) 63.85 (53.05) 61.75 (51.81) 59.50 (50.47) 55.75 (48.30) 52.15 (46.22) 48.65 (44.20) 44.75 (41.94) 41.90 (40.26)
T3 78.20 (62.27) 74.35 (59.60) 70.65 (57.23) 67.15 (55.03) 64.30 (53.32) 59.87 (50.71) 56.85 (48.95) 53.65 (47.09) 49.60 (44.75) 46.25 (42.80)
T4 59.65 (50.55) 57.05 (49.05) 54.45 (47.54) 49.35 (44.61) 47.05 (43.28) 44.45 (41.79) 29.75 (32.98) 26.35 (30.81) 24.40 (29.50) 21.95 (27.82)
T5 66.50 (54.66) 64.10 (53.20) 60.80 (51.24) 55.75 (48.30) 43.60 (41.29) 40.75 (39.64) 28.25 (32.03) 24.40 (29.49) 22.00 (27.85) 18.60 (25.21)
T6 63.15 (52.63) 61.45 (51.62) 58.75 (50.04) 53.20 (46.82) 50.50 (45.26) 48.10 (43.89) 45.50 (42.39) 41.85 (40.28) 38.85 (38.51) 34.90 (36.15)
T7 43.15 (41.01) 41.65 (40.13) 39.00 (38.57) 36.35 (36.98) 34.70 (36.00) 32.35 (34.56) 31.55 (34.09) 30.45 (33.41) 28.20 (32.01) 24.45 (29.52)
SEm+ 0.70 0.66 0.63 0.58 0.55 0.50 0.46 0.36 0.36 0.36
CD (5%) 2.03 1.93 1.82 1.68 1.60 1.43 1.33 1.06 1.05 1.03
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 78.30 (62.22) 74.10 (59.43) 70.6 (057.17) 62.60 (52.28) 58.70 (50.00) 56.80 (48.89) 46.60 (43.03) 32.60 (34.80) 30.40 (33.44) 23.40 (28.92)
S1T2 75.10 (60.06) 72.20 (58.17) 67.30 (55.10) 65.10 (53.79) 62.90 (52.46) 61.20 (51.45) 58.10 (49.64) 54.30 (47.45) 52.00 (46.13) 49.70 (44.81)
S1T3 81.60 (64.65) 77.40 (61.60) 74.40 (59.58) 70.20 (56.90) 68.40 (55.79) 65.10 (53.77) 62.80 (52.40) 59.90 (50.69) 57.10 (49.06) 54.30 (47.45)
S1T4 62.40 (52.16) 59.80 (50.64) 57.30 (49.18) 51.40 (45.78) 49.90 (44.92) 48.10 (43.89) 34.00 (35.65) 30.10 (33.25) 28.70 (32.38) 26.10 (30.71)
S1T5 70.40 (57.04) 67.90 (55.48) 64.20 (53.24) 59.30 (50.35) 46.80 (43.15) 44.70 (41.94) 32.40 (34.67) 28.80 (32.43) 26.20 (30.76) 24.80 (29.85)
S1T6 67.20 (55.04) 65.10 (53.77) 62.60 (52.28) 56.80 (48.89) 53.20 (46.82) 51.30 (45.73) 48.90 (44.35) 45.80 (42.57) 43.40 (41.19) 39.40 (38.66)
S1T7 49.30 (44.58) 47.80 (43.72) 45.10 (42.16) 42.70 (40.78) 40.30 (39.38) 38.20 (38.15) 36.10 (36.91) 34.90 (36.18) 32.10 (34.49) 29.20 (32.70)
S2T1 71.50 (57.73) 67.30 (55.11) 63.20 (52.64) 54.80 (47.74) 52.70 (46.53) 47.40 (43.49) 40.60 (39.57) 24.20 (29.44) 22.80 (28.50) 15.30 (23.01)
S2T2 67.40 (55.16) 63.60 (52.88) 60.40 (50.99) 58.40 (49.82) 56.10 (48.48) 50.30 (45.15) 46.20 (42.80) 43.00 (41.96) 37.50 (37.74) 34.10 (35.71)
S2T3 74.80 (59.89) 71.30 (57.59) 66.90 (54.87) 64.10 (53.17) 60.20 (50.87) 54.63 (47.64) 50.90 (45.50) 47.40 (43.49) 42.10 (40.44) 38.20 (38.15)
S2T4 56.90 (48.94) 54.30 (47.45) 51.60 (45.90) 47.30 (43.43) 44.20 (41.65) 40.80 (39.68) 25.50 (30.32) 22.60 (28.37) 20.10 (26.62) 17.80 (24.92)
S2T5 62.60 (52.28) 60.30 (50.93) 57.40 (49.24) 52.20 (46.24) 40.40 (39.44) 36.80 (37.33) 24.10 (29.38) 20.00 (26.55) 17.80 (24.94) 12.40 (20.57)
S2T6 59.10 (50.22) 57.80 (49.47) 54.90 (47.80) 49.60 (44.75) 47.80 (43.72) 44.90 (42.05) 42.10 (40.44) 37.90 (37.98) 34.30 (35.84) 30.40 (33.44)
S2T7 37.00 (37.44) 35.50 (36.54) 32.90 (34.98) 30.00 (33.17) 29.10 (32.62) 26.50 (30.96) 27.00 (31.26) 26.00 (30.64) 24.30 (29.52) 19.70 (26.34)
Mean 65.26 (54.10) 62.46 (52.34) 59.20 (50.36) 54.61 (47.65) 50.76 (45.42) 47.62 (43.58) 41.09 (39.70) 36.25 (36.77) 33.49 (35.08) 29.63 (32.53)
SEm+ 1.07 1.02 0.96 0.89 0.84 0.76 0.70 0.56 0.55 0.55
CD (5%) 3.21 3.06 2.88 2.67 2.52 2.28 2.10 1.68 1.60 1.58
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Germination (%)
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
S1T1 S1T2 S1T3 S1T4 S1T5 S1T6 S1T7 S2T1 S2T2 S2T3 S2T4 S2T5 S2T6 S2T7
Interaction
1 4 7 10
Fig. 6: Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Ashwagandha seeds during storage
Fig.6: Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Ashwagandha seeds during storage

cm) treatment. The lowest shoot length was recorded in control (T 7) (3.65 cm). The
trend was continued upto sixth month of storage period. And at the seventh month of storage
period, highest shoot length was noticed in T3 (7.60 cm) followed by T2 (6.40 cm), while the
lowest shoot length was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated seeds (2.75 cm) than control (3.15
cm). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage, T 3 recorded
highest shoot length of 6.45 cm followed by T2 (4.98 cm) and lowest was in T5 seeds (1.40
cm).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments showed significantly throughout
the storage period.
At the first month of storage period highest shoot length (13.70 cm) was observed in
S1T3 followed by S1T1 (11.40 cm). Lowest shoot length was noticed in S1T7 (3.80 cm). This
trend was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month, highest shoot length was
recorded in S 1T 3 (8.60 cm) followed by S 1T 2 (7.00 cm). The lowest shoot length was observed
in S2T7 (2.90 cm). The trend was similar upto sixth month of storage period. At the seventh
month, highest shoot length was observed in S1T3 (7.40 cm) followed by S1T2 (6.10 cm), while
the lowest shoot length was recorded in S2T5 (2.03 cm) than S2T7 (2.40 cm). This was
continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of tenth month of storage period S 1T 3
recorded highest shoot length (6.10 cm) followed by S1T2 (4.90 cm) and lowest shoot length
was observed in S2T5 (0.80 cm).
4.2.2.3 Root length (cm)
The results on root length as influenced by seed source and seed treatments and
their interaction effects during storage are presented in Table 14.
Root length declined progressively as storage period advanced. The root length
differed significantly due to seed source at all the months of storage period. At first month of
storage root length recorded. Significantly higher in Fresh seeds (8.0 cm) over the old seeds
(6.67 cm) (S2). At the end of ten months storage higher root length was recorded in S1 (S3.75
cm) and lower root length was recorded in S2 (2.38 cm).
The root length due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period.
At first month of storage period significantly highest root length was recorded in KNO3
(9.10 cm) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (8.60 cm) treated seeds (T1). The lowest root
length was recorded in control (4.15 cm) (T7). Similar trend was observed upto three months
of storage period. At the fourth months of storage period significantly highest root length (7.95
cm) was recorded in KNO3 (T3) treated seeds, followed by kinetin (T2) (7.10 cm) treatment.
The lowest root length was recorded in control (T7) (3.35 cm).
The trend was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months
of storage period higher root length was noticed in T3 (6.84 cm) followed by T2 (6.15 cm),
while the lowest root length was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated seeds (2.30 cm), than
control (2.75 cm). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage T3
recorded highest root length of (5.70 cm) followed by T2 (5.05 cm) and the lowest was in T5
seeds (1.25 cm).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments shows significant upto end of
storage it was significant. At the first month of storage period highest root length (10.0 cm)
was observed in S1T3 followed by S1T1 (9.40 cm). Lowest root length was noticed in S1T1
(3.60 cm). This trend was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest
root length was recorded in S1T3 (8.50 cm) followed by S1T2 (7.40 cm) and lowest root length
was observed in S2T7 (2.70 cm). The trend was similar upto six months of storage period. At
the seventh month highest root length was observed in S1T3 (7.39 cm) followed by S1T2 (6.80
cm), while the lowest root length was recorded in S 2T 5 (1.60 cm) than S 2T 7 (2.0 cm). This was
continued upto the period S1T3 recorded highest root length (6.30 cm) followed by S1T2 (5.90
cm) and lowest root length was observed in S2T5 (0.60 cm).

Table 13: Effect of seed treatment on shoot length (cm) of Ashwagandha seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 9.07 7.41 6.77 6.27 5.89 5.60 4.87 4.36 3.96 3.51
S2 7.00 6.70 6.41 5.96 5.52 5.21 4.29 3.65 3.31 2.91
SEm+ 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03
CD (5%) 0.24 0.21 0.16 0.18 0.16 0.16 0.13 0.10 0.10 0.10
Seed treatments (T)
T1 10.40 8.85 8.40 6.90 6.65 6.35 4.45 2.60 2.35 1.60
T2 8.70 7.85 7.50 7.20 7.00 6.75 6.40 6.00 5.40 4.98
T3 11.90 10.30 9.25 8.85 8.57 8.05 7.60 7.35 6.90 6.45
T4 6.20 5.40 5.10 4.75 4.60 4.25 2.90 2.45 2.15 1.85
T5 7.60 6.70 6.30 6.00 4.35 4.05 2.75 2.28 1.90 1.40
T6 7.00 6.10 5.70 5.45 5.30 5.10 4.80 4.50 4.20 3.90
T7 4.45 4.20 3.90 3.65 3.45 3.30 3.15 2.85 2.55 2.30
SEm+ 0.15 0.13 0.10 0.11 0.10 0.10 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.06
CD (5%) 0.42 0.37 0.28 0.31 0.28 0.28 0.22 0.17 0.17 0.17
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 11.40 8.60 8.20 6.70 6.40 6.10 4.60 3.30 3.00 2.20
S1T2 9.20 7.80 7.30 7.00 6.80 6.50 6.10 5.80 5.20 4.90
S1T3 13.70 10.90 9.10 8.60 8.30 7.80 7.40 7.10 6.70 6.10
S1T4 7.40 6.10 5.70 5.30 5.10 4.80 3.60 3.10 2.80 2.50
S1T5 8.60 7.00 6.50 6.20 4.90 4.60 3.50 2.90 2.50 2.00
S1T6 8.10 6.60 6.00 5.70 5.50 5.30 5.00 4.70 4.30 3.90
S1T7 5.10 4.90 4.60 4.40 4.20 4.10 3.90 3.60 3.20 3.00
S2T1 9.40 9.10 8.60 7.10 6.90 6.60 4.30 1.90 1.70 1.00
S2T2 8.20 7.90 7.70 7.40 7.20 7.00 6.70 6.20 5.60 5.07
S2T3 10.10 9.70 9.40 9.10 8.83 8.30 7.80 7.60 7.10 6.80
S2T4 5.00 4.70 4.50 4.20 4.10 3.70 2.20 1.80 1.50 1.20
S2T5 6.60 6.40 6.10 5.80 3.80 3.50 2.00 1.67 1.30 0.80
S2T6 5.90 5.60 5.40 5.20 5.10 4.90 4.60 4.30 4.10 3.90
S2T7 3.80 3.50 3.20 2.90 2.70 2.50 2.40 2.10 1.90 1.60
Mean 8.04 7.06 6.59 6.11 5.70 5.41 4.58 4.00 3.64 3.21
SEm+ 0.22 0.19 0.15 0.16 0.15 0.15 0.12 0.09 0.09 0.09
CD (5%) 0.64 0.56 0.43 0.48 0.43 0.42 0.33 0.26 0.26 0.26
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

4.2.2.4 Seedling vigour index (SVI)
The results on seedling vigour index as influenced by seed source and seed
treatments and their interaction effects during storage are presented in Table 15.
Seedling vigour index decreased as storage period advanced. The seedling vigour
index differed significantly due to seed source at all the months of storage period. At first
month of storage seedling vigour index recorded. Significantly higher in fresh seeds (1223)
over the old seeds (879) (S2). At the end of ten months storage higher seedling vigour index
was recorded in S1 (293) and lower seedling vigour index was recorded in S2 (163).
The seedling vigour index due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the
months of storage period.
At first month of storage period significantly highest seedling vigour index was
recorded in KNO3 (1653) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (1430) treated seeds (T1). The
lowest seedling vigour index was recorded in control (380) (T 7). Similar trend was observed
upto three months of storage period. At the fourth months of storage period significantly
highest seedling vigour index (1130) was recorded in KNO3 (T3) treated seeds, followed by
kinetin (T2) (885) treatment. The lowest KNO3 was recorded in control (T7) (264). The trend
was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months of storage period
highest seedling vigour index was noticed in T3 (823) followed by T2 (657), while the lowest
was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated seeds seedling vigour index (149) than control (193).
Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage T3 recorded highest
seedling vigour index of (564) followed by T 2 (427) and the lowest was in T 5 seeds (57).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments shows significant upto storage.
At the first month of storage period highest seedling vigour index (1936) was observed in S1T3
followed by S1T1 (1629). The lowest was noticed in S2T7 (275). This trend was continued upto
three months of storage. At fourth month highest seedling vigour index was recorded in S 1T 3
(1201). This was followed by S1T2 (951) and the lowest seedling vigour index was observed in
S2T7 (168). The trend was similar upto six months of storage period. At the seventh month
highest seedling vigour index was observed in S1T3 (929) followed by S1T2 (87), while the
lowest seedling vigour index was recorded in S 2T 5 (86.76) than S 2T 7 (119). This was
continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of ten months of storage period S1T3
recorded highest seedling vigour index (673) followed by S1T2 (537) and lowest seedling
vigour index was observed in S2T5 (180).
4.2.2.5 Electrical conductivity (dS/m)
The results on EC as influenced by seed source and seed treatments and their
interaction effects during tenth month of storage period are presented in Table 16.
Electrical conductivity was increased gradually as storage period advanced. The
electrical conductivity differed significantly due to seed quality at all the months of storage
period. At first month of storage electrical conductivity was recorded. Significantly lower in
fresh seeds (0.281 ds/m) compare to old seeds (0.627 ds/m) (S2). At the end of ten months of
storage lower electrical conductivity was recorded in S1 (0.712 ds/m) and higher was
recorded in S 2 (1.018 ds/m).
The electrical conductivity due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the
months of storage period.
At first month of storage period significantly lowest electrical conductivity was
recorded in KNO 3 (0.438 ds/m) treated seeds (T 3), followed by GA 3 (0.442 ds/m) treated
seeds (T1). And the highest electrical conductivity was recorded in control (0.476 ds/m) (T7).
Similar trend was observed upto three months of storage period. At the fourth month of
storage period significantly lowest electrical conductivity (0.496) was recorded in KNO3 (T3)
treated seeds, followed by kinetin (T2) (0.527 ds/m) treatment. The highest electrical
conductivity was recorded in control (T7) (0.643 ds/m). The trend was continued upto six
months of storage period. And at the seven months of storage period lowest electrical

Table 14: Effect of seed treatment on root length (cm) of Ashwagandha seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 8.00 7.57 7.09 6.77 6.34 6.10 5.09 4.47 4.17 3.76
S2 6.67 6.37 6.11 5.73 5.24 4.90 3.86 3.10 2.71 2.39
SEm+ 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.08 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.01
CD (5%) 0.18 0.16 0.18 0.17 0.15 0.22 0.10 0.07 0.07 0.04
Seed treatments (T)
T1 8.60 8.10 7.70 6.85 6.50 6.15 5.25 2.35 2.10 1.45
T2 8.20 7.80 7.30 7.10 6.75 6.50 6.15 5.80 5.30 5.05
T3 9.10 8.55 8.20 7.95 7.55 7.25 6.85 6.45 6.10 5.70
T4 6.55 6.20 5.95 5.65 5.40 5.15 2.50 2.20 1.90 1.65
T5 7.60 7.30 6.85 6.55 5.20 4.85 2.30 2.00 1.70 1.25
T6 7.15 6.90 6.55 6.30 6.05 5.75 5.50 5.15 4.70 4.35
T7 4.15 3.95 3.65 3.35 3.10 2.85 2.75 2.55 2.30 2.05
SEm+ 0.11 0.10 0.11 0.10 0.09 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.04 0.02
CD (5%) 0.32 0.28 0.31 0.29 0.25 0.13 0.17 0.12 0.12 0.07
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 9.40 8.80 8.20 7.40 7.00 6.70 5.70 3.10 2.80 2.10
S1T2 8.90 8.50 7.80 7.60 7.30 7.10 6.80 6.60 6.20 5.90
S1T3 10.00 9.20 8.70 8.50 8.10 7.80 7.40 7.00 6.70 6.30
S1T4 7.20 6.80 6.50 6.20 6.00 5.80 3.20 2.90 2.60 2.30
S1T5 8.10 7.80 7.20 7.00 5.80 5.50 3.00 2.70 2.40 1.90
S1T6 7.70 7.40 6.90 6.70 6.40 6.20 6.00 5.70 5.40 5.00
S1T7 4.70 4.50 4.30 4.00 3.80 3.60 3.50 3.30 3.10 2.80
S2T1 7.80 7.40 7.20 6.30 6.00 5.60 4.80 1.60 1.40 0.80
S2T2 7.50 7.10 6.80 6.60 6.20 5.90 5.50 5.00 4.40 4.20
S2T3 8.20 7.90 7.70 7.40 7.00 6.70 6.30 5.90 5.50 5.10
S2T4 5.90 5.60 5.40 5.10 4.80 4.50 1.80 1.50 1.20 1.00
S2T5 7.10 6.80 6.50 6.10 4.60 4.20 1.60 1.30 1.00 0.60
S2T6 6.60 6.40 6.20 5.90 5.70 5.30 5.00 4.60 4.00 3.70
S2T7 3.60 3.40 3.00 2.70 2.40 2.10 2.00 1.80 1.50 1.30
Mean 7.34 6.97 6.60 6.25 5.79 5.50 4.47 3.79 3.44 3.07
SEm+ 0.17 0.15 0.16 0.15 0.13 0.12 0.09 0.06 0.06 0.04
CD (5%) 0.51 0.45 0.48 0.45 0.39 0.36 0.26 0.18 0.19 0.11
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Table 15: Effect of seed treatment on seedling vigour index of Ashwagandha seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 1223 1024 899 782 687 632 487 398 349 293
S2 879 803 728 627 541 464 337 254 205 163
SEm+ 19.66 14.48 14.19 11.48 10.37 9.10 4.97 4.81 3.41 3.67
CD (5%) 56.95 41.95 41.10 33.24 30.05 26.37 14.40 13.95 9.88 10.62
Seed treatments (T)
T1 1430 1201 1079 809 734 653 425 147 124 64
T2 1210 1066 947 885 819 741 657 578 484 427
T3 1653 1406 1235 1130 1038 918 823 743 648 564
T4 766 667 606 515 474 423 167 128 104 82
T5 1018 901 802 703 421 368 149 110 85 57
T6 901 803 723 628 576 525 471 407 349 291
T7 380 348 304 264 236 208 193 171 143 113
SEm+ 34.05 25.08 24.57 19.88 17.97 15.77 8.61 8.34 5.90 6.35
CD (5%) 98.65 72.66 71.19 57.58 52.06 45.68 24.95 24.16 17.11 18.40
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 1629 1291 1159 883 787 727 480 209 177 101
S1T2 1361 1178 1017 951 887 832 750 674 593 537
S1T3 1936 1556 1325 1201 1123 1016 929 845 765 673
S1T4 912 773 699 592 554 510 231 181 155 125
S1T5 1178 1005 880 784 501 452 211 162 129 97
S1T6 1062 912 808 705 634 590 538 476 421 351
S1T7 484 450 403 359 323 295 267 241 203 169
S2T1 1231 1110 998 734 681 579 369 85 71 27
S2T2 1059 955 876 818 752 649 564 482 375 316
S2T3 1369 1255 1145 1058 954 820 717 640 530 455
S2T4 621 561 512 438 393 335 102 75 54 39
S2T5 858 797 724 621 341 283 87 59 41 18
S2T6 740 694 638 551 517 459 404 338 278 231
S2T7 275 246 205 168 148 122 119 101 83 57
Mean 1051 913 813 704 613 547 412 326 276 228
SEm+ 52.02 38.32 37.54 30.36 27.45 24.09 13.15 12.74 9.02 9.70
CD (5%) 156.06 114.96 112.62 91.08 82.35 72.27 38.11 36.90 26.13 28.11
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

conductivity was noticed in T 3 (0.583 ds/m) followed by T 2 (0.624 ds/m), while the highest
electrical conductivity was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated seeds (0.849 ds/m), than control
(0.784 ds/m). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage T3
recorded of (0.688 ds/m) followed by T2 (0.733 ds/m) and the lowest was in T5 seeds (1.024
ds/m).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments shows significant at all the
months of seed storage.
At the first month of storage period lowest EC (0.265 ds/m) was observed in S1T3
followed by S 1T 1 (0.269 ds/m) highest EC was noticed in S 2T 7 (0.652). This trend was
continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month lowest EC was recorded in S1T3
(0.332 ds/m) followed by S1T2 (0.376 ds/m). And highest EC was observed in S2T7 (0.747
ds/m). The trend was similar upto six months of storage period. At the seventh month lowest
EC was observed in S 1T 3 (0.421 ds/m) followed by S 1T 2 (0.474 ds/m), while the highest EC
was recorded in S2T5 (0.990 ds/m) than S2T7 (0.910 ds/m). This was continued upto the end
of storage period. At the end of ten months storage period S1T3 recorded lowest electrical
conductivity (0.510 ds/m) followed by S2T5 (1.170 ds/m).
4.2.2.6 Nursery establishment
The results on nursery establishment as influenced by seed source and seed
treatments and their interaction effects of storage are presented in Table 17.
Germination in nursery decreased progressively as storage period advanced. The
germination differed significantly due to seed quality at all the months of storage period. At
first month of storage germination recorded was significantly higher in fresh seeds (61.45%)
over the old seeds (54.96%) (S2). At the end of ten months storage higher germination was
recorded in S1 (23.45%) and lower germination was recorded in S2 (16.90%).
The germination due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period.
At first month of storage period significantly highest germination was recorded in
KNO3 (71.15%) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (67.75%) treated seeds (T1). The lowest
EC was recorded in control (36.15%) (T 7). Similar trend was observe upto three months of
storage period. At the fourth month of storage period significantly highest germination
(60.55%) was recorded in KNO3 (T3) treated seeds, followed by kinetin (T2) (54.55%)
treatment. The lowest germination was recorded in control (T7). The trend was continued upto
six months of storage period. And at the seven months of storage period highest germination
was noticed in T3 (48.10%) followed by T2 (43.60%), while the lowest germination was
recorded in cow urine (T5) treated seeds (19.60%), than control (23.75%). Similar trend was
upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage T3 recorded highest germination of
(35.55%) followed by T 2 (31.50%) and the lowest was in T 5 seeds (8.60%).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments shows significant in the period of
storage.
At the first month of storage period highest germination (75.20%) was observed in
S1T3 followed by S1T1 (71.30%) lowest germination was noticed in S2T7 (31.30%). This trend
was continued upto 3 month of storage. At fourth month highest germination was recorded in
S1T3 (63.40%) followed by S1T2 (59.10%) and the lowest germination was observed in S2T7
(23.10%). The trend was similar upto six months of storage period. At the seventh month of
germination was observed in S 1T 3 (50.10%) followed by S 1T 2 (45.90%), while lowest
germination was recorded in S2T5 (13.10%) than S2T7 (17.20%). This was continued upto the
end of storage period. At the end of ten months of storage period S1T3 recorded highest
germination (37.40%) followed by S1T2 (33.60%) and lowest germination was observed in
S 2T 5 (6.20%).

Table 16: Effect of seed treatment on electrical conductivity (dS/m) of Ashwagandha seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 0.281 0.346 0.377 0.434 0.478 0.509 0.575 0.631 0.661 0.712
S2 0.627 0.644 0.679 0.704 0.761 0.794 0.865 0.937 0.948 1.018
SEm+ 0.003 0.006 0.007 0.010 0.014 0.011 0.016 0.032 0.032 0.033
CD (5%) 0.010 0.019 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.030 0.050 0.090 0.094 0.100
Seed treatments (T)
T1 0.442 0.461 0.481 0.542 0.583 0.622 0.710 0.848 0.890 0.990
T2 0.446 0.474 0.506 0.527 0.579 0.586 0.624 0.654 0.684 0.733
T3 0.438 0.449 0.473 0.496 0.520 0.547 0.583 0.615 0.644 0.688
T4 0.465 0.524 0.564 0.613 0.651 0.685 0.810 0.885 0.925 0.967
T5 0.452 0.489 0.531 0.569 0.675 0.716 0.849 0.912 0.906 1.024
T6 0.459 0.507 0.546 0.596 0.629 0.650 0.681 0.767 0.742 0.774
T7 0.476 0.561 0.594 0.643 0.701 0.755 0.784 0.809 0.842 0.881
SEm+ 0.006 0.011 0.010 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.030 0.050 0.060 0.060
CD (5%) 0.017 0.032 0.030 0.059 0.070 0.060 0.080 0.160 0.1180 0.180
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 0.269 0.298 0.319 0.392 0.427 0.481 0.550 0.719 0.739 0.847
S1T2 0.274 0.317 0.344 0.376 0.399 0.441 0.474 0.502 0.526 0.558
S1T3 0.265 0.281 0.307 0.332 0.366 0.392 0.421 0.448 0.486 0.513
S1T4 0.294 0.388 0.424 0.493 0.523 0.534 0.683 0.738 0.776 0.809
S1T5 0.279 0.339 0.373 0.436 0.551 0.578 0.709 0.762 0.804 0.879
S1T6 0.286 0.366 0.392 0.471 0.498 0.508 0.529 0.568 0.593 0.638
S1T7 0.299 0.434 0.477 0.538 0.581 0.627 0.659 0.683 0.706 0.740
S2T1 0.614 0.624 0.642 0.691 0.738 0.763 0.869 0.976 1.041 1.132
S2T2 0.618 0.631 0.668 0.677 0.759 0.730 0.773 0.806 0.842 0.908
S2T3 0.610 0.617 0.638 0.659 0.675 0.702 0.744 0.781 0.801 0.862
S2T4 0.636 0.659 0.704 0.733 0.780 0.836 0.937 1.031 1.074 1.125
S2T5 0.625 0.639 0.689 0.702 0.799 0.854 0.988 1.062 1.008 1.169
S2T6 0.631 0.647 0.700 0.721 0.759 0.792 0.832 0.966 0.891 0.910
S2T7 0.652 0.688 0.711 0.747 0.820 0.883 0.909 0.934 0.977 1.021
Mean 0.454 0.495 0.528 0.569 0.620 0.652 0.720 0.784 0.805 0.870
SEm+ 0.010 0.020 0.020 0.030 0.040 0.030 0.040 0.080 0.090 0.090
CD (5%) 0.030 0.060 0.060 0.090 0.120 0.090 0.120 0.240 0.270 0.270
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Table 17: Effect of seed treatment on field emergence (%)of Ashwagandha seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 61.46 (51.75)* 59.07 (50.30) 56.14 (48.55) 51.97 (46.12) 47.20 (46.12) 43.53 (43.13) 37.14 (41.21) 31.03 (33.58) 27.64 (31.39) 23.45 (28.44)
S2 54.96 (47.84) 51.66 (45.89) 47.70 (43.57) 41.87 (40.17) 37.70 (40.17) 34.87 (37.68) 27.71 (35.98) 23.13 (27.99) 20.34 (25.96) 16.90 (23.23)
SEm+ 0.37 0.33 0.33 0.30 0.25 0.25 0.21 0.21 0.17 0.13
CD (5%) 1.08 0.96 0.95 0.87 0.73 0.72 0.60 0.61 0.49 0.37
Seed treatments (T)
T1 67.75 (55.41) 64.70 (53.56) 61.45 (51.63) 51.30 (45.73) 47.65 (43.63) 44.35 (41.73) 33.30 (35.19) 18.70 (25.37) 16.15 (23.47) 10.18 (18.40)
T2 65.35 (53.94) 61.35 (51.56) 57.85 (49.52) 54.55 (47.61) 52.15 (46.22) 47.65 (43.63) 43.60 (41.30) 39.50 (38.92) 35.80 (36.73) 31.50 (34.12)
T3 71.15 (57.55) 68.15 (55.66) 64.50 (53.43) 60.55 (51.08) 56.50 (48.72) 51.85 (46.04) 48.10 (43.89) 44.07 (41.57) 40.25 (39.35) 35.55 (36.58)
T4 50.80 (45.44) 48.20 (43.94) 44.65 (41.90) 39.75 (39.04) 36.80 (37.29) 34.10 (35.67) 21.95 (27.66) 17.10 (24.24) 14.50 (22.14) 12.50 (20.47)
T5 60.35 (50.97) 57.60 (49.36) 53.45 (46.97) 47.80 (43.71) 34.45 (35.86) 31.05 (33.80) 19.60 (25.94) 15.15 (22.69) 12.55 (20.54) 8.60 (16.88)
T6 55.90 (48.37) 53.85 (47.19) 50.35 (45.18) 44.40 (41.74) 41.70 (40.17) 39.25 (38.74) 36.70 (37.23) 33.70 (35.43) 30.0 (53.18) 26.45 (30.88)
T7 36.15 (36.89) 33.70 (35.39) 31.20 (33.82) 30.10 (33.10) 27.90 (31.72) 26.15 (30.56) 23.75 (28.94) 21.35 (27.26) 18.65 (25.31) 16.45 (23.54)
SEm+ 0.65 0.57 0.57 0.52 0.44 0.43 0.36 0.36 0.30 0.22
CD (5%) 1.87 1.66 1.64 1.51 1.27 1.25 1.04 1.05 0.86 0.65
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 71.30 (57.60) 68.40 (55.78) 65.80 (54.20) 56.30 (48.60) 51.20 (45.67) 48.60 (44.18) 37.30 (37.62) 24.10 (29.38) 20.70 (27.05) 13.07 (21.18)
S1T2 68.70 (55.97) 65.20 (53.83) 62.10 (51.99) 59.10 (50.23) 56.40 (48.66) 51.30 (45.73) 45.90 (42.63) 41.10 (39.86) 37.50 (37.75) 33.60 (35.41)
S1T3 75.20 (60.11) 71.80 (57.91) 67.90 (55.46) 63.40 (52.75) 60.20 (50.87) 54.40 (47.51) 50.10 (45.04) 46.13 (42.76) 42.10 (40.44) 37.40 (37.69)
S1T4 53.30 (46.87) 51.30 (45.72) 48.00 (43.83) 44.20 (41.65) 41.60 (40.15) 38.40 (38.27) 28.60 (32.31) 21.30 (27.47) 18.80 (25.68) 16.30 (23.80)
S1T5 62.60 (52.30) 60.10 (50.81) 57.20 (49.12) 53.60 (47.05) 39.50 (38.92) 35.00 (36.25) 26.10 (30.70) 19.20 (25.97) 16.10 (23.64) 11.00 (19.36)
S1T6 58.10 (49.65) 57.40 (49.23) 54.60 (47.62) 50.10 (45.04) 47.30 (43.43) 44.30 (41.71) 41.70 (40.21) 37.80 (37.92) 34.00 (35.65) 30.20 (33.32)
S1T7 41.00 (39.79) 39.30 (38.79) 37.40 (37.67) 37.10 (37.51) 34.20 (35.77) 32.70 (34.86) 30.30 (33.38) 27.60 (31.68) 24.30 (29.52) 22.60 (28.37)
S2T1 64.20 (53.22) 61.00 (51.33) 57.10 (49.06) 46.30 (42.86) 44.10 (41.59) 40.10 (39.27) 29.30 (32.75 13.30 (21.37) 11.60 (19.89) 7.30 (15.62)
S2T2 62.00 (51.92) 57.50 (49.29) 53.60 (47.05) 50.00 (44.98) 47.90 (43.78) 44.00 (41.53) 41.30 (39.97) 37.90 (37.98) 34.10 (35.71) 29.40 (32.82)
S2T3 67.10 (55.00) 64.50 (53.42) 61.10 (51.40) 57.70 (49.42) 52.80 (46.59) 49.30 (44.58) 46.10 (42.74) 42.00 (40.38) 38.40 (38.27) 33.70 (35.47)
S2T4 48.30 (44.00) 45.10 (42.16) 41.30 (39.97) 35.30 (36.44) 32.00 (34.44) 29.80 (33.06) 15.30 (23.02) 12.90 (21.00) 10.20 (18.60) 8.70 (17.15)
S2T5 58.10 (49.64) 55.10 (47.90) 49.70 (44.81) 42.00 (40.38) 29.40 (32.81) 27.10 (31.35) 13.10 (21.19) 11.10 (19.40) 9.00 (17.44) 6.20 (14.41)
S2T6 53.70 (47.10) 50.30 (45.15) 46.10 (42.74) 38.70 (38.45) 36.10 (36.91) 34.20 (35.77) 31.70 (34.24) 29.60 (32.95) 26.10 (30.71) 22.70 (28.44)
S2T7 31.30 (34.00) 28.10 (31.98) 25.00 (29.97) 23.10 (28.68) 21.60 (27.67) 19.60 (26.26) 17.20 (24.49) 15.10 (22.85) 13.00 (21.10) 10.30 (18.71)
Mean 58.21 (49.80) 55.36 (48.10) 51.92 (46.07) 46.92 (43.14) 42.45 (40.52) 39.20 (38.60) 32.43 (34.31) 27.08 (30.78) 23.99 (28.68) 20.18 (25.84)
SEm+ 0.99 0.88 0.86 0.80 0.67 0.66 0.55 0.55 0.45 0.34
CD (5%) 2.97 2.64 2.58 2.40 2.01 1.98 1.60 1.61 1.31 0.99
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Table 18: Effect of seed treatment on seed health in Ashwagandha seeds during storage
Treatments
1 st month after
storage
Fresh seeds Old seeds
5 th month after
storage
10 th month after
storage
P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3
Treatments
1 st month after
storage
5 th month after
storage
10 th month after
storage
P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3
S1T1 - - - - ++ + + ++ ++ S2T1 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++
S1T2 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++ S2T2 - - - - + + ++ ++ ++
S1T3 - - - ++ + + ++ + ++ S2T3 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++
S1T4 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++ S2T4 - + - + + + ++ ++ ++
S1T5 - - - - - + + + + S2T5 - - - - + - ++ ++ +
S1T6 - - - + ++ + ++ ++ ++ S2T6 - + - + ++ + ++ ++ ++
S1T7 + - + ++ + +++ +++ +++ +++ S2T7 + ++ + ++ ++ ++ +++ +++ +++
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control
+ - Traces of infection (0.5%) ++ - 5 – 20% of infection +++ - 20 – 40% of infection
P1 – Aspergillus spp. P2 – Rhizophus spp. P3 – Penicillium spp.

4.2.2.7 Seed health
Difference in the infection of seed was noticed due to interaction between seed
source and seed treatments during storage period are presented in Table 18.
In fresh seeds at the initial period of storage the per cent infection was nil. As the
storage period increase the infection also increased. At the end of five months of storage
moderately infection (5-20%) was noticed in control (S1T7). And traces of infection was found
in (S1T5) continue (0-5%). At the end of ten months highest infection (20-40%) was found in
control (S1T7) compare to other treatments.
In old seeds there was traces amount of infection to seeds in the first month in control
(S1T7) (0-5%). At the end of five months of storage untreated seeds recorded moderately
infection (5-20%) and lowest was in cow urine (S2T5) (0-5%). And at the end of ten months of
storage control recorded highest infection (20-40%) and lowest was found in S2T5 (5-20%).
4.2.3 Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
4.2.3.1 Germination percentage
The result on germination as influenced by seed source and seed treatments and
their interaction effects during ten months of storage period are presented in Table 19.
Germination decreased as storage period advanced. The germination differed
significantly due to seed quality at all the months of storage period. At first month of storage
germination recorded was significantly higher in fresh seeds (S1) (76.94%) over the old seeds
(68.73%) (S2). At the end of ten months storage higher germination was recorded in S1
(37.33%) and lower root length was recorded in S2 (24.59%).
The germination due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period germination was recorded in KNO3 (85.60%) treated seeds (T3), followed by
GA3 (82.60%) treated seeds (T1). The lowest germination was recorded in control (46.65%)
(T 7). Similar trend was observed upto three months of storage period. At the fourth months of
storage period significantly highest germination (74.60%) was recorded in KNO3 (T3) treated
seeds, followed by kinetin (T2) (67.65%) treatments. The lowest germination was recorded in
control (T7) (38.85%). The trend was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the
seven months of storage period highest germination was noticed in T 3 (63.60%) followed by
T2 (59.20%), while the lowest germination was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated seeds
(28.85%), than control (33.70%). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth
month of storage T3 recorded highest germination of (51.95%) followed by T2 (47.45%) and
the lowest was in T 5 seeds (15.12%).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments showed significant difference for
all the months of storage. At the first month of storage period highest germination (90.30%)
was observed in S1T3 followed by S1T1 (87.10%) lowest germination was noticed in S2T7
(41.00%). This trend was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest
germination was recorded in S1T3 (80.30%) followed by S1T2 (74.30%) and the lowest
germination was observed in S2T7 (33.10%). The trend was similar upto six months of storage
period. At the seventh month highest germination was observed in S1T3 (69.90%) followed by
S 1T 2 (65.80%), while the lowest germination was recorded S 2T 5 (21.60%) than S 2T 7 (27.10%).
This was continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of ten months of storage period
S1T3 recorded highest germination (57.30%) followed by S1T2 (53.60%) and lowest
germination was observed in S2T5 (8.80%).
4.2.3.2 Shoot length (cm)
The results on shoot length as influenced by seed source and seed treatments and
their interaction effects during ten months of storage period are presented in Table 20.
Shoot length declined progressively as storage period advanced. The shoot length
differed significantly due to seed quality at all the months of storage period. At first month of
storage shoot length recorded was significantly higher in fresh seeds (12.44 cm)

Table 19: Effect of seed treatment on germination of Periwinkle seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 76.94 (61.95)* 73.79 (59.68) 70.46 (57.43) 66.33 (54.74) 62.07 (52.14) 58.81 (50.17) 50.97 (45.58) 44.10 (41.49) 41.34 (39.83) 37.33 (37.36)
S2 68.73 (56.29) 62.37 (52.30) 59.44 (50.51) 54.31 (47.48) 49.99 (44.97) 47.05 (43.24) 38.16 (37.86) 31.50 (33.53) 28.56 (31.59) 24.59 (28.70)
SEm+ 0.39 0.39 0.37 0.37 0.32 0.33 0.27 0.24 0.16 0.19
CD (5%) 1.14 1.14 1.08 1.08 0.93 0.95 0.77 0.70 0.48 0.55
Seed treatments (T)
T1 82.60 (65.53) 77.85 (62.07) 74.10 (59.56) 65.00 (53.81) 61.50 (51.68) 57.77 (49.49) 45.90 (42.62) 26.75 (30.95) 24.45 (29.44) 17.20 (24.01)
T2 79.25 (62.98) 72.75 (58.76) 70.15 (57.01) 67.65 (55.44) 65.40 (54.05) 61.95 (51.97) 59.20 (50.33) 54.50 (47.58) 51.60 (45.91) 47.45 (43.51)
T3 85.60 (68.02) 82.05 (65.18) 78.50 (62.60) 74.60 (59.88) 71.75 (57.98) 67.60 (55.38) 63.60 (52.94) 60.35 (50.99) 56.10 (48.51) 51.95 (46.11)
T4 67.45 (55.24) 62.90 (52.49) 60.80 (51.25) 55.30 (48.04) 51.90 (46.07) 48.55 (44.14) 31.55 (34.00) 24.05 (29.13) 21.75 (27.49) 19.60 (25.88)
T5 75.85 (60.64) 70.30 (57.09) 66.60 (54.76) 61.85 (51.90) 48.40 (44.05) 46.60 (43.03) 28.85 (32.29) 21.35 (27.20) 18.90 (25.37) 15.12 (22.40)
T6 72.45 (58.34) 67.40 (55.24) 63.55 (52.90) 59.00 (50.21) 55.70 (48.28) 52.50 (46.43) 49.15 (44.49) 46.65 (43.04) 43.10 (40.99) 39.15 (38.67)
T7 46.65 (43.04) 43.30 (41.10) 40.95 (39.74) 38.85 (38.49) 37.57 (37.71) 35.55 (36.51) 33.70 (35.37) 30.95 (33.65) 28.75 (32.27) 26.25 (30.63)
SEm+ 0.68 0.68 0.64 0.64 0.56 0.57 0.46 0.42 0.29 0.33
CD (5%) 1.97 1.97 1.87 1.86 1.61 1.65 1.34 1.21 0.83 0.96
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 87.10 (68.96) 83.00 (65.63) 80.10 (63.52) 71.20 (57.58) 67.30 (55.11) 64.30 (53.29) 51.20 (45.67) 33.40 (35.29) 30.60 (33.57) 24.30 (29.51)
S1T2 83.20 (65.80) 80.60 (63.86) 76.90 (61.25) 74.30 (59.54) 72.60 (58.41) 69.10v56.21) 65.80 (54.19) 60.10 (50.81) 57.90 (49.53) 53.60 (47.05)
S1T3 90.30 (71.96) 87.50 (69.30) 84.10 (66.58) 80.30 (63.67) 77.10 (61.40) 73.40 (58.95) 69.90 (56.70) 66.10 (54.37) 62.00 (51.92) 57.30 (49.18)
S1T4 70.80 (57.30) 67.70 (55.34) 65.10 (53.77) 60.50 (51.05) 57.50 (49.30) 54.00 (47.28) 38.60 (38.39) 30.50 (33.50) 28.80 (32.44) 26.80 (31.16)
S1T5 79.60 (63.60) 76.30 (60.89) 72.60 (58.42) 68.10 (55.60) 54.10 (47.33) 50.70 (45.38) 36.10 (36.91) 28.30 (32.12) 25.90 (30.57) 21.43 (27.56)
S1T6 75.30 (60.17 72.70 (58.49) 68.30 (55.74) 65.30 (53.89) 62.10 (51.99) 58.30 (49.77) 54.90 (47.79) 52.70 (46.53) 49.10 (44.47) 45.10 (42.17)
S1T7 52.30 (46.29) 48.70 (44.23) 46.10 (42.74) 44.60 (41.88) 43.80 (41.42) 41.90 (40.32) 40.30 (39.39) 37.60 (37.80) 35.10 (36.31) 32.80 (34.92)
S2T1 78.10 (62.10) 72.70 (58.51) 68.10 (55.60) 58.80 (50.05) 55.70 (48.26) 51.23 (45.69) 40.60 (39.57) 20.10 (26.62) 18.30 (25.32) 10.10 (18.51)
S2T2 75.30 (60.17) 64.90 (53.66) 63.40 (52.76) 61.00 (51.34) 58.20 (49.70) 54.80 (47.74) 52.60 (46.47) 48.90 (44.35) 45.30 (42.29) 41.30 (39.97)
S2T3 80.90 (64.07) 76.60 (61.05) 72.90 (58.62) 68.90 (56.09) 66.40 (54.58) 61.80 (51.81) 57.30 (49.18) 54.60 (47.62) 50.20 (45.10) 46.60 (43.03)
S2T4 64.10 (53.18) 58.10 (49.65) 56.50 (48.72) 50.10 (45.04) 46.30 (42.86) 43.10 (41.01) 24.50 (29.61) 17.60 (24.77) 14.70 (22.54) 12.40 (20.60)
S2T5 72.10 (58.13) 64.30 (52.28) 60.60 (51.10) 55.60 (48.20) 42.70 (40.78) 42.50 (40.67) 21.60 (27.67) 14.40 (22.28) 11.90 (20.16) 8.80 (17.25)
S2T6 69.60 (56.51) 62.10 (51.98) 58.80 (50.05) 52.70 (46.53) 49.30 (44.58) 46.70 (43.09) 43.40 (41.19) 40.60 (39.56) 37.10 (37.51) 33.20 (35.17)
S2T7 41.00 (39.79) 37.90 (37.97) 35.80 (36.72) 33.10 (35.09) 31.33 (34.02) 29.20 (32.69) 27.10 (31.35) 24.30 (29.51) 22.40 (28.23) 19.70 (26.33)
Mean 72.84 (59.12) 68.08 (55.99) 64.95 (53.97) 60.32 (51.11) 56.03 (48.55) 52.93 (46.71) 44.56 (41.72) 37.95 (37.51) 34.95 (35.71) 30.96 (33.03)
SEm+ 1.04 1.04 0.98 0.98 0.85 0.87 0.71 0.64 0.44 0.51
CD (5%) 3.12 3.10 2.94 2.93 2.55 2.61 2.13 1.94 1.26 1.47
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Germination (%)
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
S1T1 S1T2 S1T3 S1T4 S1T5 S1T6 S1T7 S2T1 S2T2 S2T3 S2T4 S2T5 S2T6 S2T7
Interaction
Fig. 7: Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Periwinkle seeds during storage
Fig.7. Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Periwinkle seeds during storage
1 4 7 10

comparatively over the old seeds (9.99 cm) (S 2). At the end of ten months storage, higher
shoot length was recorded in S1 (6.18 cm) and lower root length was recorded in S2 (4.43
cm).
The shoot length due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period. At first month of storage period significantly highest shoot length was
recorded in KNO3 (14.35 cm) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (13.30 cm) treated seeds
(T1). The lowest shoot length was recorded in control (7.0 cm) (T7). Similar trend was
observed upto three months of storage period. At the fourth month of storage period
significantly highest shoot length (11.65 cm) was recorded in KNO 3 (T 3) treated seeds,
followed by kinetin (T2) (10.40 cm) treatment. The lowest shoot length was recorded in control
(T7) (6.00 cm).
The trend was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months
of storage period highest shoot length was noticed in T 3 (10.40 cm) followed by T 2 (9.20 cm),
while the lowest shoot length was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated seeds (4.60 cm), than
control (5.25 cm). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage T3
recorded highest shoot length of (9.15 cm) followed by T2 (8.00 cm) and the lowest was in T5
seeds (3.20 cm).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments shows significant difference in all
the months of seed storage.
At the first month of storage period highest shoot length (16.40 cm) was observed in
S 1T 3 followed by S 1T 1 (14.90 cm). Lowest shoot length was noticed in S 2T 7 (6.10 cm). This
trend was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest shoot length was
recorded in S1T3 (12.40 cm) followed by S1T2 (11.00 cm) and the lowest shoot length was
observed in S2T7 (5.20 cm). The trend was similar upto six months of storage period. At the
seventh month highest shoot length was observed in S 1T 3 (11.20 cm) followed by S 1T 2 (9.90
cm), while the lowest shoot length was recorded in S2T5 (3.80 cm) than S2T7 (4.50 cm). This
was continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of ten months of storage period S1T3
recorded highest shoot length (9.80 cm) followed by S1T2 (8.70 cm) and lowest shoot length
was observed in S 2T 5 (2.50 cm).
4.2.3.3 Root length (cm)
The results on root length as influenced by seed source and seed treatments and
their interaction effects during ten months of storage period are presented in Table 21.
Root length declined progressively as storage period advanced. The root length
differed significantly due to seed quality at the all the months of storage period. At first month
of storage root length was recorded, significantly higher in fresh seeds (8.32 cm) than old
seeds comparatively (5.13 cm) (S2). At the end of ten months storage higher root length was
recorded in S 1 (4.05 cm) and lower root length was recorded in S 2 (1.68 cm).
The root length due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period.
At first month of storage period significantly highest root length was recorded in KNO3
(8.13 cm) treated seeds (T 3), followed by GA 3 (7.75 cm) treated seeds (T 1). The lowest root
length was recorded in control (4.45 cm) (T7). Similar trend was observed upto three months
of storage period. At the fourth months of storage period significantly period. At the fourth
months of storage period significantly highest root length (7.20 cm) was recorded in KNO3
(T3) treated seeds, followed by kinetin (T2) (6.40 cm) treatment. The lowest root length was
recorded in control (T7) (3.70 cm).
The trend was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months
of storage period highest root length was noticed in T3 (6.20 cm) followed by T2 (5.55 cm),
while the lowest root length was recorded in cow urine (T 5) treated seeds (2.50 cm), than
control (2.90 cm). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage T3
recorded highest root length of (5.25 cm) followed by T2 (4.60 cm) and the lowest was in T5
seeds (1.20 cm).

Table 20: Effect of seed treatment on shoot length (cm) of Periwinkle seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 12.44 11.20 10.33 9.66 9.00 8.66 7.71 7.01 6.64 6.18
S2 9.99 9.64 9.26 8.73 8.23 7.82 6.56 5.66 5.36 4.43
SEm+ 0.09 0.11 0.09 0.09 0.07 0.08 0.07 0.04 0.04 0.03
CD (5%) 0.27 0.31 0.26 0.25 0.21 0.22 0.20 0.11 0.11 0.09
Seed treatments (T)
T1 13.30 12.40 11.42 9.90 9.60 9.15 7.60 4.60 4.30 3.40
T2 12.35 11.25 10.80 10.40 10.05 9.62 9.20 8.75 8.40 8.00
T3 14.35 13.25 12.15 11.65 11.15 10.80 10.40 10.00 9.60 9.15
T4 9.75 9.00 8.45 8.10 7.75 7.35 4.90 4.30 4.00 3.72
T5 11.30 10.40 10.00 9.35 7.40 7.00 4.60 4.05 3.70 3.20
T6 10.45 10.00 9.35 8.95 8.60 8.25 8.00 7.70 7.30 5.20
T7 7.00 6.65 6.40 6.00 5.75 5.50 5.25 4.95 4.70 4.45
SEm+ 0.16 0.19 0.15 0.15 0.12 0.13 0.12 0.07 0.06 0.06
CD (5%) 0.46 0.54 0.45 0.43 0.36 0.39 0.35 0.20 0.19 0.16
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 14.90 13.60 12.20 10.40 10.10 9.70 7.70 5.40 5.10 4.10
S1T2 13.70 11.90 11.50 11.00 10.60 10.30 9.90 9.40 9.10 8.70
S1T3 16.40 14.70 13.10 12.40 11.90 11.60 11.20 10.70 10.30 9.80
S1T4 10.50 9.20 8.40 8.10 7.70 7.30 5.70 5.10 4.70 4.43
S1T5 12.30 10.80 10.30 9.70 7.40 7.00 5.40 4.90 4.40 3.90
S1T6 11.40 10.70 9.60 9.20 8.80 8.40 8.10 7.80 7.40 7.00
S1T7 7.90 7.50 7.20 6.80 6.50 6.30 6.00 5.80 5.50 5.30
S2T1 11.70 11.20 10.63 9.40 9.10 8.60 7.50 3.80 3.50 2.70
S2T2 11.00 10.60 10.10 9.80 9.50 8.93 8.50 8.10 7.70 7.30
S2T3 12.30 11.80 11.20 10.90 10.40 10.00 9.60 9.30 8.90 8.50
S2T4 9.00 8.80 8.50 8.10 7.80 7.40 4.10 3.50 3.30 3.00
S2T5 10.30 10.00 9.70 9.00 7.40 7.00 3.80 3.20 3.00 2.50
S2T6 9.50 9.30 9.10 8.70 8.40 8.10 7.90 7.60 7.20 3.40
S2T7 6.10 5.80 5.60 5.20 5.00 4.70 4.50 4.10 3.90 3.60
Mean 11.21 10.42 9.80 9.19 8.61 8.24 7.14 6.34 6.00 5.30
SEm+ 0.24 0.29 0.24 0.23 0.19 0.20 0.18 0.10 0.10 0.08
CD (5%) 0.71 0.83 0.68 0.65 0.55 0.59 0.53 0.30 0.29 0.24
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

The interaction of seed source and seed treatments shows significant difference at all
the moths of storage period.
At the first month of storage period highest root length (10.10 cm) was observed in
S1T3 followed by S1T1 (9.60 cm) lowest root length was noticed in S2T7 (3.70 cm). This trend
was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest root length was
recorded in S1T3 (9.10 cm) followed by S1T2 (8.30 cm) and the lowest root length was
observed in S2T7 (2.90 cm). The trend was similar upto six months of storage period. At the
seventh month highest root length was observed in S1T3 (8.30 cm) followed by S1T2 (7.40
cm), while the lowest root length was recorded in S 2T 5 (1.60 cm) than S 2T 7 (2.0 cm). This was
continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of ten months of storage period S1T3
recorded highest root length (7.20 cm) followed by S1T2 (6.40 cm) and lowest root length was
observed in S2T5 (0.50 cm).
4.2.3.4 Seedling vigour index (SVI)
The results as influenced by seed source and seed treatment and seedling vigour
index treatments and their interaction effects during ten months of storage period are
presented in Table 22.
As storage period advanced seedling vigour index decreased. The seedling vigour
index differed significantly due to seed quality at all the months of storage period. At first
month of storage seedling vigour index was recorded. Significantly higher in fresh seeds
(1646) over the old seeds (1072) (S2). At the end of ten months storage higher seedling
vigour index was recorded in S 1 (438) and lower seedling vigour index was recorded in S 2
(194).
The seedling vigour index due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the
months of storage period.
At first month of storage period significantly highest seedling vigour index was
recorded in KNO3 (1944) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (1755) treated seeds (T1). The
lowest germination was recorded in control (544) (T7). Similar trend was observed upto three
months of storage period. At the fourth month of storage period significantly highest seedling
vigour index (1422) was recorded in KNO3 (T3) treated seeds, followed by kinetin (T2) (1153)
treatment. The lowest seedling vigour index was recorded in control (T1) (387).
The trend was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months
of storage period highest seedling vigour index was noticed in T3 (1074) followed by T2 (890),
while the lowest was recorded in cow urine (T 5) treated seeds (217) than control (285).
Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage T3 recorded highest
seedling vigour index of (762) followed by T2 (613) and lowest was in T5 seeds (75).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments shows significant at all the
periods of storage.
At the first month of storage period highest seedling vigour index (2393) was noticed
in S1T3 followed by S1T1 (2135) and lowest was recorded in S2T7 (402). This trend was
continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest seedling vigour index was
recorded in S1T3 (1727) followed by S1T2 (1433) and the lowest seedling vigour index was
observed in S2T7 (269). At the seventh month highest seedling vigour index was observed in
S1T3 (1363) followed by S1T2 (1138), while the lowest seedling vigour index was recorded in
S2T5 (117) than S2T7 (176). This was continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of
ten months of storage period S 1T 3 recorded highest seedling vigour index (974) followed by
S1T2 (809) and lowest seedling vigour index was observed in S2T5 (26).
4.2.3.5 Electrical conductivity (dS/m)
The results on electrical conductivity as influenced by seed source and seed
treatments and their interaction effects during tenth month of storage period are presented in
Table 23.

Table 21: Effect of seed treatment on root length (cm) of Periwinkle seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 8.32 7.94 7.64 7.34 6.78 6.48 5.54 4.77 4.41 4.05
S2 5.13 4.74 4.44 4.01 3.62 3.27 2.64 2.25 1.91 1.68
SEm+ 0.038 0.066 0.051 0.049 0.049 0.038 0.031 0.032 0.031 0.023
CD (5%) 0.112 0.191 0.148 0.143 0.144 0.112 0.091 0.095 0.092 0.066
Seed treatments (T)
T1 7.75 7.35 7.05 6.10 5.70 5.35 4.25 2.45 2.05 1.55
T2 7.30 6.95 6.65 6.40 6.10 5.85 5.55 5.20 4.85 4.60
T3 8.13 7.75 7.50 7.20 6.85 6.50 6.20 5.85 5.55 2.25
T4 6.05 5.60 5.30 5.05 4.75 4.40 2.70 2.20 1.85 1.75
T5 6.90 6.40 6.15 5.65 4.50 4.11 2.50 2.00 1.60 1.20
T6 6.55 6.10 5.75 5.65 5.15 4.80 4.55 4.25 3.90 3.60
T7 4.45 4.25 3.90 3.70 3.40 3.15 2.90 2.65 2.35 2.15
SEm+ 0.066 0.114 0.088 0.085 0.086 0.066 0.054 0.057 0.055 0.039
CD (5%) 0.193 0.332 0.256 0.248 0.250 0.193 0.157 0.165 0.159 0.115
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 9.60 9.30 9.00 8.00 7.50 7.10 6.00 3.30 2.90 2.30
S1T2 9.10 8.80 8.50 8.30 7.90 7.70 7.40 7.00 6.70 6.40
S1T3 10.10 9.70 9.40 9.10 8.80 8.50 8.30 7.90 7.60 7.20
S1T4 7.50 7.00 6.70 6.50 6.30 5.90 3.60 3.00 2.70 2.50
S1T5 8.60 8.10 7.80 7.40 6.00 5.70 3.40 2.80 2.40 1.90
S1T6 8.20 7.70 7.40 7.60 6.80 6.50 6.30 5.90 5.40 5.10
S1T7 5.20 5.00 4.70 4.50 4.20 4.00 3.80 3.50 3.20 3.00
S2T1 5.90 5.40 5.10 4.20 3.90 3.60 2.50 1.60 1.20 0.80
S2T2 5.50 5.10 4.80 4.50 4.30 4.00 3.70 3.40 3.00 2.80
S2T3 6.16 5.80 5.60 5.30 4.90 4.50 4.10 3.80 3.50 3.30
S2T4 4.60 4.20 3.90 3.60 3.20 2.90 1.80 1.40 1.00 1.00
S2T5 5.20 4.70 4.50 3.90 3.00 2.53 1.60 1.20 0.80 0.50
S2T6 4.90 4.50 4.10 3.70 3.50 3.10 2.80 2.60 2.40 2.10
S2T7 3.70 3.50 3.10 2.90 2.60 2.30 2.00 1.80 1.50 1.30
Mean 6.73 6.34 6.04 5.67 5.20 4.88 4.09 3.51 3.16 2.87
SEm+ 0.102 0.175 0.135 0.130 0.131 0.102 0.083 0.087 0.084 0.061
CD (5%) 0.296 0.507 0.392 0.379 0.381 0.295 0.240 0.252 0.244 0.176
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Electrical conductivity increased progressively as storage period advanced. The
electrical conductivity differed significantly due to seed quality as all the months of storage
period. At first month of storage electrical conductivity was recorded significantly lower in
fresh seed (0.221 dS/m) over the old seeds (0.470 dS/m) (S2). At the end of ten months
storage lower electrical conductivity was recorded in S 1 (0.753 dS/m) and higher electrical
conductivity was recorded in S2 (0.972 dS/m).
The electrical conductivity due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the
months of storage period. At first month of storage period significantly lowest electrical
conductivity was recorded in KNO 3 (0.308 dS/m) treated seeds (T 3), followed by GA 3 (0.317
dS/m) treated seeds (T1). And the highest electrical conductivity was recorded in control
(0.463 dS/m) (T7). Similar trend was observed upto three months of storage period. At the
fourth month of storage period significantly lower electrical conductivity (0.420 dS/m) was
recorded in KNO 3 (T 3) treated seeds, followed by kinetin (T 2) (0.455 dS/m) treatment. The
highest electrical conductivity was recorded in control (T7) (0.663 dS/m).
The trend was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months
of storage period lowest electrical conductivity was noticed in T3 (0.532 dS/m) followed by T2
(0.573 dS/m), while the highest electrical conductivity was recorded in cow urine (T 5) treated
seeds (0.898 dS/m) than control (0.900 dS/m). Similar trend was noticed upto the end of
storage. At the tenth month of storage T3 recorded lowest electrical conductivity of (0.653
dS/m) followed by T2 (0.705 dS/m) and the lowest was in T5 seeds (1.034 dS/m).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments showed significant difference
during the period of storage.
At the first month of storage period lowest electrical conductivity (0.193 dS/m) was
observed in S1T3, followed by S1T1 (0.204 dS/m). Highest electrical conductivity was noticed
in S 2T 1 (0.670 dS/m). This trend was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month
lowest EC was recorded in S1T3 (0.301 dS/m) followed by S1T2 (0.348 dS/m) and the lowest
root length was observed in S2T7 (0.792 dS/m). The trend was similar upto six months of
storage period. At the seventh month lower electrical conductivity was observed in S1T3
(0.426 dS/m) followed by S1T2 (0.458 dS/m), while the highest electrical conductivity was
recorded in S2T5 (0.954 dS/m) than S2T7 (0.903 dS/m). This was continued upto the end of
storage period. At the end of ten months of storage period S1T3 recorded lowest electrical
conductivity (0.562 dS/m) followed by S1T2 (0.607 dS/m) and highest electrical conductivity
was observed in S 2T 5 (1.146 dS/m).
4.2.3.6 Nursery establishment
The results on nursery establishment as influenced by seed source and seed
treatments and their interaction effects during ten months of storage period are presented in
Table 24.
Nursery establishment germination goes on decreasing as storage period advanced.
The germination differed significantly due to seed quality at all the months of storage period.
At first month of storage germination was recorded significantly higher in fresh seed (68.28%)
over the old seeds (57.59%) (S2). At the end of ten months storage higher germination was
recorded in S1 (29.17%) and lower germination was recorded in S2 (17.65%).
The germination due to the pre sowing treatment varied significantly at all the months
of storage period.
At first month of storage period significantly highest germination was recorded in
KNO3 (73.95%) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (70.75%) treated seeds (T1). The lowest
germination was recorded in control (38.50%) (T7). Similar trend was observed upto three
months of storage period. At the fourth month of storage period significantly highest
germination (64.00%) was recorded in KNO 3 (T 3) treated seeds, followed by kinetin (T 2)
59.40%) treatment. The lowest germination was recorded in control (31.85%).
The trend was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months
of storage period highest germination was noticed in T3 (51.65%) followed by T2 (48.15%),

Table 22: Effect of seed treatment on seedling vigour index of Periwinkle seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 1646 1457 1306 1160 1013 923 723 578 513 438
S2 1072 927 841 716 617 544 391 299 254 194
SEm+ 13.92 18.42 15.20 14.10 6.66 11.87 5.77 6.09 3.03 3.94
CD (5%) 40.34 53.37 44.03 40.86 19.30 34.40 16.70 17.64 8.77 11.42
Seed treatments (T)
T1 1755 1554 1385 1056 954 853 553 200 165 95
T2 1569 1344 1242 1153 1073 977 890 774 700 613
T3 1944 1743 1559 1422 1305 1186 1074 973 866 762
T4 1073 927 843 735 656 578 252 166 138 118
T5 1391 1194 1088 942 584 525 217 141 111 75
T6 1239 1099 969 874 778 697 628 568 492 364
T7 544 481 430 387 352 318 285 247 213 184
SEm+ 24.12 31.91 26.32 24.43 11.54 20.57 9.99 10.55 5.25 6.83
CD (5%) 69.87 92.45 76.26 70.77 33.44 59.58 28.93 30.56 15.20 19.78
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 2135 1902 1697 1312 1185 1081 701 291 245 156
S1T2 1896 1669 1538 1433 1343 1244 1138 986 915 809
S1T3 2393 2136 1894 1727 1595 1476 1363 1230 1110 974
S1T4 1273 1097 984 884 804 713 359 247 213 186
S1T5 1664 1444 1315 1166 725 645 318 218 177 124
S1T6 1476 1339 1163 1097 969 870 791 722 629 546
S1T7 686 608 549 504 467 431 395 350 306 272
S2T1 1376 1207 1073 800 722 625 406 109 86 35
S2T2 1242 1018 945 873 803 711 642 562 485 417
S2T3 1494 1349 1225 1116 1016 896 786 716 622 550
S2T4 873 757 701 586 508 444 144 86 63 50
S2T5 1118 945 862 718 444 406 117 63 45 26
S2T6 1002 858 775 652 587 524 465 415 356 183
S2T7 402 354 310 269 237 204 176 143 121 97
Mean 1359 1192 1074 938 815 734 557 438 384 316
SEm+ 36.84 48.75 40.21 37.32 17.63 31.41 15.25 16.11 8.01 10.43
CD (5%) 106.73 141.21 116.48 108.10 51.07 91.01 44.19 46.68 23.21 30.22
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Table 23: Effect of seed treatment on electrical conductivity (dS/m) of Periwinkle seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 0.221 0.296 0.340 0.414 0.466 0.525 0.590 0.653 0.692 0.753
S2 0.470 0.549 0.596 0.636 0.671 0.717 0.800 0.897 0.962 0.972
SEm+ 0.017 0.018 0.013 0.015 0.018 0.021 0.015 0.020 0.014 0.025
CD (5%) 0.048 0.053 0.040 0.045 0.052 0.060 0.043 0.060 0.040 0.070
Seed treatments (T)
T1 0.317 0.368 0.406 0.483 0.527 0.577 0.671 0.886 0.930 1.004
T2 0.324 0.390 0.433 0.455 0.486 0.542 0.573 0.613 0.708 0.705
T3 0.308 0.345 0.381 0.420 0.454 0.505 0.532 0.568 0.606 0.653
T4 0.360 0.465 0.516 0.588 0.602 0.646 0.814 0.920 0.977 0.972
T5 0.334 0.411 0.466 0.518 0.637 0.723 0.848 0.943 1.005 1.034
T6 0.315 0.438 0.493 0.549 0.566 0.605 0.637 0.659 0.693 0.750
T7 0.463 0.541 0.581 0.663 0.709 0.750 0.791 0.835 0.873 0.922
SEm+ 0.029 0.032 0.023 0.026 0.030 0.040 0.030 0.030 0.020 0.043
CD (5%) 0.084 0.092 0.068 0.076 0.090 0.120 0.090 0.100 0.070 0.124
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 0.204 0.249 0.284 0.374 0.422 0.472 0.583 0.739 0.781 0.887
S1T2 0.210 0.271 0.308 0.348 0.383 0.436 0.458 0.508 0.551 0.607
S1T3 0.193 0.231 0.266 0.301 0.342 0.398 0.426 0.462 0.512 0.562
S1T4 0.241 0.336 0.394 0.488 0.512 0.548 0.701 0.778 0.822 0.852
S1T5 0.217 0.293 0.339 0.409 0.542 0.684 0.742 0.810 0.851 0.921
S1T6 0.228 0.318 0.367 0.446 0.474 0.506 0.542 0.569 0.593 0.660
S1T7 0.256 0.371 0.422 0.534 0.589 0.629 0.678 0.703 0.736 0.781
S2T1 0.429 0.487 0.527 0.592 0.631 0.681 0.759 1.033 1.078 1.121
S2T2 0.437 0.509 0.558 0.562 0.589 0.647 0.688 0.717 0.864 0.802
S2T3 0.422 0.458 0.496 0.539 0.566 0.611 0.638 0.674 0.699 0.744
S2T4 0.479 0.593 0.637 0.688 0.692 0.743 0.926 1.061 1.131 1.091
S2T5 0.451 0.529 0.592 0.626 0.731 0.762 0.954 1.076 1.158 1.146
S2T6 0.402 0.558 0.619 0.651 0.659 0.703 0.731 0.749 0.792 0.839
S2T7 0.670 0.711 0.740 0.792 0.829 0.871 0.903 0.966 1.010 1.062
Mean 0.346 0.422 0.468 0.525 0.569 0.621 0.695 0.775 0.827 0.863
SEm+ 0.040 0.050 0.040 0.040 0.050 0.060 0.040 0.050 0.040 0.070
CD (5%) 0.120 0.150 0.120 0.120 0.150 0.180 0.119 0.150 0.120 0.210
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

while the lowest germination was recorded in cow urine (T 5) treated seeds (20.35%), than
control (25.55%). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage T3
recorded highest germination of (40.78%) followed by T2 (36.20%) and the lowest was in T5
seeds (9.80%).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments showed upto the end of storage.
At the first month of storage period highest germination (79.70%) was observed in
S1T3 followed by S1T1 (76.30%). Lowest germination was noticed in S2T7 (32.40%). This trend
was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest root length was
recorded in S 1T 3 (70.10%) followed by S 1T 2 (65.70%) and the lowest germination was
observed in S2T7 (25.10%). The trend was similar upto six months of storage period. At the
seventh month highest germination was observed in S1T3 (58.20%) followed by S1T2
(15.80%), while the lowest germination was recorded in S2T5 (15.80%) than S2T7 (26.41%).
This was continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of ten months of storage period
S1T3 recorded highest germination (48.80%) followed by S1T2 (45.10%) and lowest
germination was observed in S2T5 (16.20%).
4.2.3.7 Seed health
Per cent infection to seeds is presented in the Table 25.
Fresh seeds recorded no infection or pathogens are found in the first month of
storage. At the end of five months of storage cow urine treatment (S1T5) recorded lowest
amount of infection (0-5%). And moderate amount of infection was in control (5-20%). And at
the end of ten months high infection was seen in control (20-40%) and lowest infection
compared to other treatments was found in cow urine (20-40%) old seeds showed traces
amount of infection in the first month of storage in control (S2T7). At the end of five months of
storage continue (S2T5) recorded (0-5%) of infection and control recorded (5-10%) of
infection. All the ten months of storage highest infection was in control (20-40%) and lowest
(5-20%) was found in S2T5 compared to other treatments.
4.2.4 Kalmegh (Adrographis paniculata)
4.2.4.1 Germination percentage
The results on germination as influenced by seed source and seed treatments and
their interaction effects during storage are presented in Table 26.
As storage period advanced germination goes on decreasing. The germination
differed significantly due to seed quality at all the months of storage period. At first month of
storage germination was recorded. Significantly higher in fresh seeds (67.60%) over the old
seeds (58.16%) (S2). At the end of ten months storage higher germination was recorded in S1
(30.37%) and lower germination was recorded in S2 (20.16%).
The germination due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period. At first month of storage period significantly highest germination was recorded
in KNO3 (74.25%) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (71.40%) treated seeds (T1). The
lowest germination was recorded in control (38.10%) (T7). Similar trend was observed upto
three months of storage period. At the fourth months of storage period significantly highest
germination (64.50%) was recorded in KNO 3 (T 3) treated seeds, followed by kinetin (T 2)
(58.15%) treatment. The lowest germination was recorded in control (T7) (31.95%). The trend
was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months of storage period
highest germination was noticed in T3 (54.40%) followed by T2 (47.85%), while the lowest
germination was recorded cow urine (T 5) treated seeds (21.75%), than control (26.00%).
Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage T3 recorded highest
of (43.30%) found by T2 (38.10%) and the lowest was in T5 seeds (12.40%).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments showed significant upto the end
of storage. At the first month of storage period highest germination (78.40%) was observed in
S1T3 followed by S1T1 (75.60%) lowest germination was noticed in S2T7 (32.50%). This trend

Table 24: Effect of seed treatment on field emergence (%) of Periwinkle seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 68.28 (55.94)* 65.40 (54.13) 62.49 (52.33) 57.70 (49.47) 53.94 (47.27) 50.50 (45.26) 41.60 (39.98) 36.06 (36.61) 33.22 (34.79) 29.17 (32.04)
S2 57.59 (49.38) 54.34 (47.46) 51.29 (45.68) 45.51 (42.31) 40.99 (39.65) 37.49 (37.59) 29.94 (32.73) 23.99 (28.60) 21.37 (26.84) 17.65 (24.03)
SEm+ 0.39 0.38 0.34 0.31 0.30 0.26 0.25 0.13 0.10 0.11
CD (5%) 1.12 1.11 0.99 0.89 0.87 0.74 0.74 0.38 0.29 0.32
Seed treatments (T)
T1 70.75 (57.35) 68.20 (55.74) 65.05 (53.83) 56.20 (48.57) 52.35 (46.34) 48.00 (43.83) 39.95 (39.14) 21.05 (27.08) 18.40 (25.21) 13.40 (21.42)
T2 68.60 (56.00) 65.80 (54.25) 62.35 (52.19) 59.40 (50.45) 56.00 (48.44) 51.50 (45.85) 48.15 (43.91) 44.45 (41.77) 41.35 (39.94) 36.20 (36.83)
T3 73.95 (59.44) 70.75 (57.35) 68.30 (55.80) 64.00 (53.18) 60.65 (51.20) 55.80 (48.34) 51.65 (45.94) 48.75 (44.26) 44.75 (41.94) 40.78 (39.61)
T4 59.20 (50.29) 55.85 (48.36) 53.05 (46.74) 47.05 (43.27) 44.65 (41.87) 41.50 (40.03) 22.95 (28.39) 18.32 (25.09) 15.73 (23.16) 13.20 (21.02)
T5 66.00 (54.38) 63.15 (52.66) 58.80 (50.08) 52.60 (46.48) 41.55 (40.05) 38.50 (38.27) 20.35 (26.66) 16.05 (23.25) 14.15 (21.84) 9.80 (17.94)
T6 63.52 (52.88) 58.90 (50.14) 56.50 (48.75) 50.15 (45.06) 47.60 (43.59) 44.90 (42.03) 41.80 (40.22) 38.45 (38.22) 35.50 (36.46) 31.90 (34.23)
T7 38.50 (38.27) 36.45 (37.04) 34.17 (35.67) 31.85 (34.21) 29.45 (32.72) 27.75 (31.64) 25.55 (30.20) 23.10 (28.51) 21.20 (27.17) 18.60 (25.23)
SEm+ 0.67 0.67 0.59 0.53 0.52 0.44 0.44 0.23 0.17 0.06
CD (5%) 1.95 1.93 1.72 1.54 1.50 1.29 1.28 0.65 0.51 0.18
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 76.30 (60.85) 73.70 (59.14) 70.90 (57.36) 62.30 (52.12) 58.50 (49.88) 54.60 (47.62) 46.30 (42.86) 26.80 (31.15) 23.20 (28.78) 15.20 (22.94)
S1T2 74.10 (59.42) 71.40 (25.64) 68.10 (55.60) 65.70 (54.15) 61.30 (51.51) 57.70 (49.41) 53.70 (47.10) 50.20 (45.10) 48.90 (44.35) 45.10 (42.17)
S1T3 79.70 (63.23) 76.10 (60.76) 73.80 (59.19) 70.10 (56.84) 67.90 (55.47) 62.40 (52.16) 58.20 (49.70) 55.00 (47.85) 52.10 (46.19) 48.80 (44.29)
S1T4 63.10 (52.57) 60.70 (51.17) 58.30 (49.76) 53.40 (46.93) 51.40 (45.78) 48.70 (44.24) 28.60 (32.32) 23.70 (29.12) 20.07 (26.60) 17.60 (24.79)
S1T5 71.20 (57.52) 68.90 (56.09) 63.70 (52.94) 58.10 (49.64) 48.90 (44.35) 45.30 (42.29) 24.90 (29.92) 21.90 (27.89) 18.60 (25.54) 13.40 (2146)
S1T6 68.93 (56.12) 64.20 (53.24) 62.60 (52.28) 55.70 (48.26) 53.90 (47.22) 51.00 (45.55) 48.20 (43.95) 45.70 (42.52) 42.40 (40.61) 39.30 (38.81)
S1T7 44.60 (41.88) 42.80 (40.84) 40.00 (39.20) 38.60 (38.39) 35.70 (36.67) 33.80 (35.53) 31.30 (34.00) 29.10 (32.63) 27.30 (31.49) 24.80 (29.86)
S2T1 65.20 (53.86) 62.70 (52.34) 59.20 (50.29) 50.10 (45.04) 46.20 (42.80) 41.40 (40.03) 33.60 (35.41) 15.30 (23.20) 13.60 (21.63) 11.60 (19.90)
S2T2 63.10 (52.58) 60.20 (50.86) 56.60 (48.77) 53.10 (46.76) 50.70 (45.38) 45.30 (42.28) 42.60 (40.73) 38.70 (38.45) 33.80 (35.53) 27.30 (31.49)
S2T3 68.20 (55.65) 65.40 (53.95) 62.80 (52.40) 57.90 (49.53) 53.40 (46.93) 49.20 (44.52) 45.10 (42.17) 42.50 (40.67) 37.40 (37.69) 32.77 (34.90)
S2T4 55.30 (48.02) 51.00 (45.55) 47.80 (43.72) 40.70 (39.62) 37.90 (37.97) 34.30 (35.82) 17.30 (24.47) 12.93 (21.07) 11.40 (19.72) 8.80 (17.25)
S2T5 60.80 (51.23) 57.40 (49.23) 53.90 (47.22) 47.10 (43.32) 34.20 (35.75) 31.70 (34.24) 15.80 (23.41) 10.20 (18.62) 9.70 (18.14) 6.20 (14.41)
S2T6 58.10 (49.64) 53.60 (47.04) 50.40 (45.21) 44.60 (41.88) 41.30 (39.97) 38.80 (38.50) 35.40 (36.48) 31.20 (33.94) 28.60 (32.32) 24.50 (29.66)
S2T7 32.40 (34.67) 30.10 (33.25) 28.33 (32.14) 25.10 (30.04) 23.20 (28.77) 21.70 (27.75) 19.80 (26.41) 17.10 (24.41) 15.10 (22.85) 12.40 (20.61)
Mean 62.93 (52.66) 59.87 (50.80) 56.89 (49.01) 51.61 (45.89) 47.46 (43.46) 43.99 (41.43) 35.77 (36.35) 30.02 (32.60) 27.30 (30.82) 23.41 (28.04)
SEm+ 1.03 1.02 0.91 0.81 0.79 0.68 0.67 0.34 0.27 0.17
CD (5%) 3.09 3.06 2.73 2.43 2.37 2.04 2.01 1.00 0.77 0.49
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Table 25: Effect of seed treatment on seed health in Periwinkle seeds during storage
Treatments
1 st month after
storage
Fresh seeds Old seeds
5 th month after
storage
10 th month after
storage
P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3
Treatments
1 st month after
storage
5 th month after
storage
10 th month after
storage
P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3
S1T1 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++ S2T1 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++
S 1T 2 - - - + ++ ++ ++ ++ ++ S 2T 2 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++
S1T3 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++ S2T3 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++
S1T4 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++ S2T4 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++
S1T5 - - - - + - + ++ + S2T5 - - - - - + ++ + ++
S 1T 6 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++ S 2T 6 + - + + + + ++ ++ ++
S1T7 - - - ++ ++ ++ +++ +++ +++ S2T7 + + + ++ ++ ++ +++ +++ ++
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T 1 – GA 3 (250 ppm) T 2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T 3 – KNO 3 (250 ppm) T 4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control
+ - Traces of infection (0.5%) ++ - 5 – 20% of infection +++ - 20 – 40% of infection
P1 – Aspergillus spp. P2 – Rhizophus spp. P3 – Penicillium spp.

was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest germination was
recorded in S1T3 (70.20%0 followed by S1T2 (63.20%) and the lowest germination was
observed in S1T7 (25.80%). The trend was similar upto six months of storage period. At the
seventh month highest germination was observed in S1T3 (60.70%0 followed by S1T2
(51.60%), while the lowest germination was recorded in S 2T 5 (17.80%) than S 2T 7 (19.10%).
This was continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of ten months of storage period
S1T3 (42.70%) and lowest germination was observed in S2T5 (7.50%).
4.2.4.2 Shoot length (cm)
The results on shoot length as influenced by seed source and seed treatments and
their interaction effects during ten months of storage period are presented in Table 27.
Shoot length declined progressively as storage period advanced. The shoot length
differed significantly due to seed quality at all the months of storage period. At first month of
storage shoot length was recorded. Significantly higher in fresh seeds (8.98 cm) over the old
seeds (6.58 cm) (S2). At the end of ten months storage higher shoot length was recorded in
S1 (4.71 cm) and lower shoot length was recorded in S2 (2.90 cm).
The shoot length due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period.
At first month of storage period significantly highest shoot length was recorded in
KNO3 (9.20 cm) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (8.75 cm) treated seeds (T1). The lowest
shoot length was observed upto three months of storage period. At the fourth months of
storage period significantly highest shoot length (8.25 cm) was recorded in KNO 3 (T 1) treated
seeds, followed by kinetin (T2) (7.60 cm) treatment. The lowest shoot length was recorded in
control (T7) (4.30 cm).
The trend was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months
of storage period highest shoot length was noticed in T 3 (7.20 cm) followed by T 2 (6.60 cm),
while the lowest shoot length was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated seeds (3.15 cm) than
control (3.60 cm). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the tenth month of storage T3
recorded highest shoot length of (6.30 cm) followed by T2 (5.60 cm) and the lowest was in T5
seeds (2.00 cm).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments shows significant difference in all
the months of storage period.
At the first month of storage period highest shoot length (10.50 cm) was observed in
S 1T 3 and was lowest in S 2T 7 (4.50 cm). This trend was continued upto three months of
storage. At fourth month highest shoot length was recorded in S1T3 (9.40 cm) followed by
S1T2 (8.90 cm). The trend was similar upto six months of storage period in S1T3 (30 cm)
followed by S1T2 (7.70 cm), while the lowest shoot length was recorded in S2T5 (2.30 cm) than
S2T7 (2.80 cm). This was continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of ten months
of storage period S1T3 recorded highest shoot length (7.50 cm) and lowest was observed in
S2T5 (1.30 cm).
4.2.4.3 Root length (cm)
The results on root length as influenced by seed source and seed treatments and
their interaction effects during ten months of storage period are presented in Table 28.
Root length reduced continuously as storage period advanced. The root length
differed significantly due to seed quality as all the months of storage period. At first month of
storage root length was recorded. Significantly higher in Fresh seeds (7.90 cm) over the old
seeds (5.89 cm) (S2). At the end of ten months of storage higher root length was recorded in
S1 (3.40 cm) and lower root length was recorded in S2 (2.37 cm).
The root length due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period.

Table 26: Effect of seed treatment on germination of Kalmegh seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 67.60 (55.49)* 65.22 (54.01) 61.70 (51.85) 56.47 (48.75) 52.24 (46.28) 48.99 (44.39) 41.50 (39.98) 37.20 (37.40) 34.10 (35.46) 30.37 (33.06)
S2 58.16 (49.74) 55.69 (48.25) 51.34 (45.71) 45.77 (42.47) 42.00 (40.25) 38.80 (38.36) 30.57 (33.08) 25.34 (29.49) 22.90 (27.81) 20.12 (57.36)
SEm+ 0.37 0.25 0.28 0.08 0.18 0.07 0.15 0.14 0.06 0.09
CD (5%) 1.08 0.73 0.84 0.24 0.53 0.23 0.46 0.43 0.19 0.27
Seed treatments (T)
T1 71.40 (57.72) 68.35 (55.81) 64.50 (53.47) 55.30 (48.03) 51.25 (45.69) 47.55 (43.57) 37.25 (37.57) 22.15 (27.75) 19.65 (25.99) 14.67 (22.19)
T2 68.25 (55.74) 65.75 (54.20) 61.50 (51.67) 58.15 (49.69) 54.50 (47.57) 50.67 (45.36) 47.85 (43.74) 43.75 (41.38) 40.65 (39.57) 38.10 (38.06)
T3 74.25 (59.58) 71.40 (57.74) 67.95 (55.58) 64.50 (53.47) 60.50 (51.09) 57.20 (49.15) 54.40 (47.52) 51.25 (45.70) 47.60 (43.59) 43.30 (41.11)
T4 59.75 (50.65) 58.45 (49.86) 53.50 (47.00) 46.25 (42.81) 44.70 (41.92) 41.95 (40.33) 23.95 (29.10) 20.55 (26.61) 17.95 (24.75) 16.40 (23.63)
T5 65.61 (54.11) 62.75 (52.39) 58.70 (50.10) 52.20 (46.24) 41.80 (40.23) 37.95 (37.96) 21.75 (27.53) 18.60 (25.16) 15.70 (23.00) 12.40 (20.22)
T6 62.80 (52.43) 60.33 (50.97) 55.60 (48.21) 49.50 (44.69) 47.15 (43.33) 44.0 (041.52) 41.05 (39.80) 38.40 (38.25) 35.90 (36.75) 32.50 (34.68)
T7 38.10 (38.04) 36.20 (36.91) 33.90 (35.51) 31.95 (34.30) 29.95 (33.02) 27.95 (31.74) 26.03 (20.42) 24.20 (29.22) 22.05 (27.76) 19.50 (25.87)
SEm+ 0.65 0.42 0.50 0.14 0.31 0.14 0.27 0.26 0.12 0.16
CD (5%) 1.88 1.26 1.44 0.42 0.91 0.40 0.79 0.75 0.34 0.47
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 75.60 (60.40) 73.30 (58.88) 69.70 (56.59) 60.40 (50.98) 54.60 (47.62) 51.90 (46.07) 41.30 (39.97) 29.30 (32.73) 26.20 (30.77) 19.73 (26.36)
S1T2 72.70 (58.49) 70.10 (56.83) 66.80v54.79) 63.20 (52.63) 58.30 (49.75) 54.73v47.69) 51.60 (45.89) 47.30 (43.43) 45.10 (42.17) 42.70 (40.78)
S1T3 78.40 (62.29) 76.70 (61.11) 73.20 (58.82) 70.20 (56.89) 66.90 (54.85) 63.40 (52.75) 60.70 (51.15) 57.10 (49.06) 53.60 (47.04) 48.20 (43.95)
S1T4 65.30 (53.90) 62.20 (52.04) 58.70 (49.99) 51.90 (46.07) 49.80 (44.86) 46.20 (42.80) 30.10 (33.25) 27.60 (31.67) 23.90 (29.25) 21.40 (27.54)
S1T5 69.70 (56.58) 67.30 (55.09) 63.60 (52.87) 57.30 (49.17) 47.30 (43.73) 43.50 (41.24) 28.20 (32.06) 25.40 (30.24) 21.20 (27.40) 17.30 (24.56)
S1T6 67.80 (55.40) 65.10 (53.76) 60.10 (50.80) 54.20 (47.39) 52.10 (46.18) 48.70 (44.23) 45.70 (42.51) 42.60 (40.72) 40.40 (39.44) 37.20 (37.56)
S1T7 73.70 (41.35) 41.90 (40.32) 39.80 (39.09) 38.10 (38.10) 36.70 (37.26) 34.50 (35.95) 32.90 (34.97) 31.10 (33.87) 28.30 (32.12) 26.10 (30.70)
S2T1 67.20 (55.04) 63.40 (52.75) 59.30 (50.35) 50.20 (45.09) 47.90 (43.77) 43.20 (41.07) 33.20 (35.16) 12.15 (22.77) 13.10 (21.20) 9.60 (18.02)
S2T2 63.80 (53.00) 61.40 (51.56) 56.20 (48.54) 53.10 (46.75) 50.70 (45.38) 46.60 (43.03) 44.10 (41.59) 40.20 (39.33) 36.20 (36.97) 33.50 (35.35)
S2T3 70.10 (56.87) 66.10 (54.37) 62.70 (52.33) 58.80 (50.04) 54.10 (47.33) 51.00 (45.55) 48.10 (43.89) 45.40 (42.34) 41.60 (40.14) 38.40 (38.27)
S2T4 54.20 (47.39) 54.70 (47.69) 48.30 (44.00) 40.60 (39.56) 39.60 (38.97) 37.70 (37.86) 17.80 (24.94) 13.50 (21.54) 12.00 (20.25) 11.40 (19.72)
S2T5 61.53 (51.64) 58.20 (49.69) 53.80 (47.16) 47.10 (43.32) 36.30 (37.03) 32.40 (34.68) 15.30 (23.01) 11.80 (20.08) 10.20 (18.61) 7.50 (15.88)
S2T6 57.80 (49.46) 55.56 (48.17) 51.10 (45.61) 44.70 (41.99) 42.20 (40.49) 39.30 (38.80) 36.40 (37.09) 34.20 (35.77) 31.40 (34.06) 27.80 (3180)
S2T7 32.50 (34.73) 30.50 (33.50) 28.00 (31.93) 25.80 (30.51) 23.20 (28.78) 21.40 (27.54) 19.10 (25.88) 17.30 (24.56) 15.80 (23.41) 12.90 (21.03)
Mean 62.88 (52.61) 60.46 (51.13) 56.52 (48.78) 51.12 (45.61) 47.12 (43.26) 43.90 (41.37) 36.04 (36.53) 31.27 (33.44) 28.50 (31.63) 25.27 (29.39)
SEm+ 1.00 0.67 0.76 0.22 0.48 0.21 0.42 0.40 0.18 0.25
CD (5%) 3.00 2.01 2.28 0.64 1.39 0.61 1.21 1.15 0.51 0.72
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Germination (%)
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
S1T1 S1T2 S1T3 S1T4 S1T5 S1T6 S1T7 S2T1 S2T2 S2T3 S2T4 S2T5 S2T6 S2T7
Interaction
Fig. 8: Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Kalmegh seeds during storage
Fig.8. Effect of seed treatment on germination percentage in Kalmegh seeds during storage
1 4 7 10

Table 27: Effect of seed treatment on shoot length (cm) of Kalmegh seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 8.98 8.70 8.40 7.95 7.55 7.28 6.14 5.37 5.10 4.71
S2 6.58 6.34 6.14 5.70 5.35 5.05 4.12 3.41 3.14 2.90
SEm+ 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.06 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.02 0.03
CD (5%) 0.22 0.21 0.23 0.20 0.09 0.14 0.16 0.13 0.07 0.10
Seed treatments (T)
T1 8.75 8.50 8.30 7.35 7.05 6.65 5.90 3.10 2.80 2.30
T2 8.40 8.10 7.90 7.60 7.25 6.95 6.60 6.20 5.95 5.60
T3 9.20 8.90 8.60 8.25 8.00 7.60 7.20 6.85 6.60 6.30
T4 7.35 7.10 6.95 6.50 6.25 6.00 3.35 2.85 2.50 2.55
T5 8.00 7.75 7.40 7.05 6.05 5.75 3.15 2.50 2.30 2.00
T6 7.70 7.50 7.20 6.75 6.55 6.40 6.15 5.85 5.65 5.15
T7 5.10 4.80 4.55 4.30 4.05 3.85 3.60 3.40 3.05 2.75
SEm+ 0.13 0.12 0.13 0.11 0.05 0.08 0.09 0.07 4.12 0.06
CD (5%) 0.38 0.37 0.39 0.35 0.16 0.25 0.28 0.23 4.12 0.18
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 10.10 9.80 9.50 8.60 8.20 7.80 7.100 3.90 3.60 3.00
S1T2 9.70 9.40 9.20 8.90 8.50 8.10 7.70 7.40 7.20 6.90
S1T3 10.50 10.20 9.70 9.40 9.20 8.70 8.30 8.0 7.80 7.50
S1T4 8.60 8.30 8.10 7.60 7.40 7.20 4.20 3.60 3.30 3.20
S1T5 9.30 9.00 8.60 8.20 7.10 7.00 4.00 3.40 3.10 2.70
S1T6 9.00 8.70 8.40 7.90 7.70 7.50 7.30 7.10 6.90 6.30
S1T7 5.70 5.50 5.30 5.10 4.80 4.70 4.40 4.20 3.80 3.40
S2T1 7.40 7.20 7.10 6.10 5.90 5.50 4.70 2.30 2.00 1.60
S2T2 7.10 6.80 6.60 6.30 6.00 5.80 5.50 5.00 4.70 4.30
S2T3 7.90 7.60 7.50 7.10 6.80 6.50 6.10 5.70 5.40 5.10
S2T4 6.0 5.90 5.80 5.40 5.10 4.80 2.50 2.10 1.70 1.90
S2T5 6.70 6.50 6.20 5.90 5.00 4.50 2.30 1.60 1.50 1.30
S2T6 6.40 6.30 6.00 5.60 5.40 5.30 5.00 4.60 4.40 4.00
S2T7 4.50 4.10 3.80 3.50 3.30 3.00 2.80 2.60 2.30 2.10
Mean 7.78 7.52 7.27 6.82 6.45 6.17 5.13 4.39 4.12 3.80
SEm+ 0.20 0.19 0.20 0.18 0.08 0.12 0.14 0.12 0.06 0.09
CD (5%) 0.59 0.56 0.59 0.54 0.24 0.35 0.42 0.34 0.18 0.27
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

At first month of storage period significantly highest root length was recorded in KNO 3
(8.05 cm) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (7.71 cm) treated seeds (T1). The lowest root
length was recorded control (3.95 cm) (T7). Similar trend was observed upto three months of
storage period. At the fourth months of storage period significantly highest root length (7.35
cm) was recorded in KNO 3 (T 3) treated seeds, followed by kinetin (T 2) (6.85 cm) treatment.
The lowest root length was recorded in control (T7) (3.05 cm).
The trend was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months
of storage period highest root length was noticed in T3 (6.35 cm) followed by T2 (5.75 cm),
while the lowest root length was recorded in cow urine (T 5) treated seeds (1.85 cm), than
control (2.35 cm). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the length month of storage T3
recorded highest root length of (5.0 cm) followed by T2 (4.25 cm) and the lowest was in T5
seeds (0.80 cm).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments shows significant upto end of
storage period. At the first month of storage period highest root length (9.10 cm) was
observed in S1T3 followed by S1T1 (8.80 cm) lowest root length was noticed in S2T7 (3.20 cm).
This trend was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest root length
was recorded in S 1T 3 (8.40 cm) followed by S 1T 2 (7.90 cm) and the lowest root length was
observed in S2T7 (2.10 cm). The trend was similar upto six months of storage period. At the
seventh month lowest root length was observed in S1T3 (7.50 cm) followed by S1T2 (6.80 cm),
while the lowest root length was recorded in S2T5 (1.20 cm) than S2T7 (1.60 cm). This was
continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of ten months of storage period S 1T 3
recorded highest root length (6.20 cm) followed by S1T2 (5.40 cm) and lowest root length was
observed in S2T5 (0.20 cm).
4.2.4.4 Seedling vigour index (SVI)
The results on seedling dry weight as influenced by seed source and seed treatments
and their interaction effects during ten months of storage period are presented in Table 29.
Seedling vigour index decreased progressively as storage period advanced. The
seedling vigour index differed significantly due to seed quality as all the months of storage
period. At first month of storage SVI was recorded significantly higher in fresh seeds (1172)
over the old seeds (751) (S2). At the end of ten months of storage higher seedling vigour
index was recorded in S1 (290) and seedling vigour index length was recorded in S2 (134).
The seedling vigour index due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the
months of storage period.
At first month of storage period significantly highest seedling vigour index was
recorded in KNO3 (1291) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (1187) treated seeds (T1). The
lowest seedling vigour index was recorded control (353) (T7). Similar trend was observed upto
three months of storage period. At the fourth months of storage period significantly highest
seedling vigour index (1019) was recorded in KNO3 (T3) treated seeds, followed by kinetin
(T2) (852) treatment. The lowest SVI was recorded in control (T7) (245).
The trend was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months
of storage period highest seedling vigour index was noticed in T 3 (751) followed by T 2 (599),
while the lowest seedling vigour index was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated seeds (119),
than control (166). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the length month of storage
T3 recorded highest seedling vigour index of (501) followed by T2 (387) and the lowest was in
T 5 seeds (41).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments shows significant difference for
all months of storage. At the first month of storage period highest seedling vigour index (1537)
was observed in S1T3 followed by S1T1 (1430) lowest seedling vigour index was noticed in
S 2T 7 (251). This trend was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest
seedling vigour index was recorded in S1T3 (1250) followed by S1T2 (1062) and the lowest
seedling vigour index was observed in S2T7 (144). The trend was similar upto six months of
storage period. At the seventh month highest seedling vigour index was observed in S1T3

Table 28: Effect of seed treatment on root length (cm) of Kalmegh seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 7.90 7.67 7.47 7.06 6.59 6.27 4.97 4.07 3.81 3.40
S2 5.89 5.69 5.35 4.94 4.59 4.73 3.19 2.46 2.09 2.37
SEm+ 0.07 0.05 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03
CD (5%) 0.21 0.16 0.16 0.14 0.12 0.14 0.11 0.10 0.09 0.09
Seed treatments (T)
T1 7.71 7.65 7.35 6.60 6.25 5.75 4.95 1.80 1.60 0.95
T2 7.55 7.35 7.10 6.85 6.50 6.10 5.75 5.25 4.70 4.25
T3 8.05 7.85 7.55 7.35 7.00 6.75 6.35 5.85 5.40 5.00
T4 6.75 6.45 6.20 6.10 5.50 5.25 2.05 1.60 1.35 3.45
T5 7.25 7.05 6.80 5.95 5.25 5.00 1.85 1.40 1.15 0.80
T6 7.00 6.75 6.53 6.10 5.75 5.50 5.25 4.90 4.65 4.15
T7 3.95 3.65 3.5 3.05 2.85 4.15 2.35 2.05 1.80 1.50
SEm+ 0.12 0.09 0.10 0.08 0.07 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.05
CD (5%) 0.36 0.27 0.28 0.24 0.21 0.24 0.20 0.17 0.16 0.15
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 8.80 8.70 8.50 7.60 7.20 6.70 5.90 2.40 2.30 1.60
S1T2 8.60 8.40 8.20 7.90 7.50 7.10 6.80 6.30 5.90 5.40
S1T3 9.10 8.90 8.60 8.40 8.10 7.90 7.50 7.10 6.70 6.20
S1T4 7.80 7.40 7.30 7.40 6.50 6.20 2.80 2.20 2.00 1.90
S1T5 8.30 8.10 7.90 6.90 6.30 6.00 2.50 2.00 1.70 1.40
S1T6 8.00 7.70 7.60 7.20 6.80 6.50 6.20 5.80 5.60 5.10
S1T7 4.70 4.50 4.00 4.00 3.70 3.50 3.10 2.70 2.50 2.20
S2T1 6.63 6.60 6.20 5.60 5.0 4.80 4.00 1.20 0.90 0.30
S2T2 6.50 6.30 6.00 5.80 5.50 5.10 4.70 4.20 3.50 3.10
S2T3 7.00 6.80 6.50 6.30 5.90 5.60 5.20 4.60 4.10 3.80
S2T4 5.70 5.50 5.10 4.80 4.50 4.30 1.30 1.00 0.70 5.00
S2T5 6.20 6.00 5.70 5.00 4.20 4.00 1.20 0.80 0.60 0.20
S2T6 6.00 5.80 5.47 5.00 4.70 4.50 4.30 4.00 3.70 3.40
S2T7 3.20 2.80 2.50 2.10 2.00 4.80 1.60 1.40 1.10 0.80
Mean 6.90 6.68 6.41 6.00 5.59 5.50 4.08 3.26 2.95 2.89
SEm+ 0.19 0.15 0.15 0.13 0.11 0.13 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.08
CD (5%) 0.57 0.45 0.45 0.39 0.33 0.37 0.30 0.25 0.25 0.23
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Table 29: Effect of seed treatment on seedling vigour index of Kalmegh seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 1172 1098 1008 871 761 684 501 394 348 290
S2 751 695 615 509 439 392 261 189 156 134
SEm+ 14.74 10.97 12.07 6.75 5.77 5.313 5.03 3.58 2.53 2.16
CD (5%) 42.70 31.79 34.99 19.57 16.72 15.40 14.60 10.39 7.35 6.28
Seed treatments (T)
T1 1187 1116 1023 783 689 599 413 119 96 55
T2 1099 1026 935 852 758 670 599 509 444 387
T3 1291 1208 1109 1019 922 832 751 665 586 501
T4 856 801 716 596 536 481 139 101 78 94
T5 1011 939 845 689 484 421 119 83 62 41
T6 935 870 774 647 591 534 478 422 380 315
T7 353 315 278 246 218 225 166 142 116 92
SEm+ 25.53 19.01 20.92 11.70 10.00 9.21 8.73 6.21 4.40 3.75
CD (5%) 73.95 55.07 60.60 33.89 28.96 26.67 25.28 18.00 12.74 10.87
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 1430 1357 1256 979 841 752 537 185 155 91
S1T2 1330 1248 1162 1062 933 832 748 648 591 525
S1T3 1537 1465 1341 1250 1157 1053 959 862 777 660
S1T4 1073 977 904 779 692 619 211 160 127 109
S1T5 1228 1151 1050 865 634 566 184 137 102 71
S1T6 1153 1068 962 818 755 682 617 550 505 424
S1T7 455 419 379 347 312 283 247 215 178 146
S2T1 944 875 790 588 537 445 289 52 38 18
S2T2 867 804 708 643 583 508 450 370 297 248
S2T3 1044 952 878 788 687 617 544 468 395 342
S2T4 639 626 527 414 381 343 68 42 29 79
S2T5 794 727 640 513 334 275 53 28 21 11
S2T6 718 673 586 475 427 385 338 294 254 206
S2T7 251 211 177 144 123 167 84 69 54 37
Mean 962 897 811 690 600 538 381 291 25 212
SEm+ 39.00 29.04 31.96 17.87 15.27 14.06 13.33 9.49 6.72 5.73
CD (5%) 112.97 84.12 92.57 51.77 44.24 40.74 38.62 27.49 19.46 16.61
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

(959) followed by S 1T 2 (748), while the lowest seedling vigour index was recorded in S 2T 5 (68)
than S2T7 (84). This was continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of ten months
of storage period S1T3 recorded highest seedling vigour index (660) followed by S1T2 (525)
and lowest seedling vigour index was observed in S2T5 (11).
4.2.4.5 Electrical conductivity (dS/m)
The results on electrical conductivity as influenced by seed source and seed
treatments and their interaction effects during ten months of storage period are presented in
Table 30.
Electrical conductivity increased progressively as storage period advanced. The
electrical conductivity differed significantly due to seed quality as all the months of storage
period. At first month of storage electrical conductivity was recorded significantly lower in
Fresh seeds (0.385 dS/m) over the old seeds (0.670 dS/m) (S2). At the end of ten months of
storage higher electrical conductivity was recorded in S 1 (0.908 dS/m) and lower electrical
conductivity was recorded in S2 (1.137 dS/m).
The electrical conductivity due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the
months of storage period.
At first month of storage period significantly lowest electrical conductivity was
recorded in KNO3 (0.498 dS/m) treated seeds (T3), followed by GA3 (0.519 dS/m) treated
seeds (T5). And the highest electrical conductivity was recorded control (0.600 dS/m) (T7).
Similar trend was observed upto three months of storage period. At the fourth months of
storage period significantly lowest electrical conductivity (0.608) was recorded in KNO 3 (T 3)
treated seeds, followed by kinetin (T2) (0.663 dS/m) treatment. The highest electrical
conductivity was recorded in control (T7) (0.817 dS/m).
The trend was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months
of storage period lowest electrical conductivity was noticed in T 3 (0.724 dS/m) followed by T 2
(0.780 dS/m), while the highest electrical conductivity was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated
seeds (0.980 dS/m), than control (0.920 dS/m). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At
the length month of storage T3 recorded highest electrical conductivity of (0.855 dS/m)
followed by T 2 (0.918 dS/m) and the lowest was in T 5 seeds (1.177 dS/m).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments shows non-significant throughout
the period of storage. At the first month of storage period lowest electrical conductivity (0.361
dS/m) was observed in S1T3 followed by S1T1 (0.368 dS/m) highest electrical conductivity was
noticed in S 2T 7 (0.788 dS/m). This trend was continued upto three months of storage. At
fourth month lowest electrical conductivity was recorded in S1T3 (0.492 dS/m) followed by
S1T2 (0.570 dS/m) and the highest electrical conductivity was observed in S2T7 (0.926 dS/m).
The trend was similar upto six months of storage period. At the seventh month lowest
electrical conductivity was observed in S1T3 (0.594 dS/m) followed by S1T2 (0.656 dS/m),
while the highest electrical conductivity was recorded in S2T5 (1.083 dS/m) than S2T7 (1.040
dS/m). This was continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of ten months of
storage period S1T3 recorded lowest electrical conductivity (0.719 dS/m) followed by S1T2
(0.779 dS/m) and highest electrical conductivity was observed in S 2T 5 (1.278 dS/m).
4.2.4.6 Nursery establishment
The results on nursery establishment as influenced by seed source and seed
treatments and their interaction effects during ten months of storage period are presented in
Table 31.
Nursery establishment germination reduced progressively as storage period
advanced. The germination differed significantly due to seed quality as all the months of
storage period. At first month of storage germination was recorded significantly lower in Fresh
seeds (57.28%) over the old seeds (49.36%) (S2). At the end of ten months of storage higher
germination was recorded in S1 (21.52%) and lower germination was recorded in S2
(13.60%).

Table 30: Effect of seed treatment on electrical conductivity (dS/m) of Kalmegh seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 0.385 0.489 0.544 0.620 0.664 0.700 0.752 0.811 0.852 0.908
S2 0.670 0.713 0.760 0.820 0.908 0.952 0.991 1.046 1.080 1.137
SEm+ 0.015 0.021 0.012 0.019 0.018 0.015 0.015 0.021 0.024 0.027
CD (5%) 0.042 0.061 0.040 0.060 0.050 0.045 0.043 0.060 0.070 0.080
Seed treatments (T)
T1 0.504 0.545 0.593 0.693 0.760 0.799 0.888 0.988 1.026 1.134
T2 0.512 0.577 0.622 0.663 0.720 0.746 0.780 0.820 0.862 0.918
T3 0.498 0.520 0.563 0.608 0.663 0.699 0.724 0.777 0.812 0.855
T4 0.537 0.641 0.714 0.782 0.823 0.866 0.953 1.014 1.054 1.082
T5 0.519 0.597 0.648 0.723 0.851 0.905 0.982 1.046 1.091 1.177
T6 0.525 0.620 0.678 0.755 0.803 0.824 0.851 0.903 0.931 0.977
T7 0.600 0.709 0.751 0.817 0.885 0.946 0.922 0.956 0.986 1.015
SEm+ 0.025 0.036 0.022 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.026 0.040 0.040 0.047
CD (5%) NS 0.105 0.063 0.100 0.090 0.083 0.075 0.124 0.120 0.135
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 0.368 0.426 0.492 0.598 0.631 0.676 0.764 0.874 0.918 1.031
S1T2 0.375 0.472 0.522 0.570 0.596 0.620 0.656 0.697 0.736 0.779
S1T3 0.361 0.399 0.446 0.492 0.532 0.560 0.594 0.642 0.671 0.719
S1T4 0.402 0.531 0.599 0.683 0.704 0.748 0.836 0.904 0.954 0.981
S1T5 0.384 0.495 0.547 0.632 0.732 0.778 0.881 0.942 0.993 1.076
S1T6 0.391 0.515 0.573 0.657 0.682 0.695 0.731 0.780 0.817 0.866
S1T7 0.411 0.586 0.632 0.709 0.773 0.824 0.799 0.841 0.876 0.901
S2T1 0.639 0.663 0.693 0.787 0.888 0.921 1.011 1.102 1.133 1.236
S2T2 0.648 0.681 0.722 0.756 0.844 0.872 0.903 0.942 0.988 1.056
S2T3 0.634 0.641 0.679 0.724 0.793 0.838 0.854 0.912 0.953 0.991
S2T4 0.671 0.751 0.829 0.881 0.941 0.984 1.069 1.124 1.154 1.182
S2T5 0.654 0.699 0.748 0.814 0.970 1.032 1.083 1.149 1.188 1.278
S2T6 0.659 0.724 0.782 0.853 0.924 0.952 0.971 1.026 1.045 1.088
S2T7 0.788 0.832 0.870 0.926 0.996 1.067 1.044 1.070 1.096 1.129
Mean 0.528 0.601 0.652 0.720 0.786 0.826 0.871 0.929 0.966 1.022
SEm+ 0.039 0.055 0.033 0.051 0.048 0.041 0.040 0.055 0.064 0.071
CD (5%) 0.117 0.165 0.099 0.153 0.144 0.123 0.120 0.165 0.192 0.213
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

Table 31: Effect of seed treatment on field emergence (%)of Kalmegh seeds during storage
Treatments
Seed source (S)
Months of storage
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
S1 57.28 (49.22)* 53.81 (47.18) 50.04 (44.99) 45.14 (42.15) 41.61 (40.09) 39.24 (38.69) 33.06 (34.90) 27.49 (31.25) 24.97 (29.57) 21.52 (21.52)
S2 49.36 (44.53) 47.34 (43.34) 44.57 (41.72) 40.57 (39.36) 35.37 (36.25) 31.83 (34.06) 23.20 (28.12) 18.81 (24.82) 16.362 (2.99) 13.60 (13.60)
SEm+ 0.33 0.29 0.26 0.26 0.22 0.22 0.09 0.07 0.14 0.14
CD (5%) 0.97 0.86 0.77 076 0.65 0.64 0.27 0.22 0.43 0.43
Seed treatments (T)
T1 61.4 (051.59) 58.55 (49.92) 55.05 (47.88) 46.90 (43.20) 43.35 (41.15) 40.75 (39.64) 28.40 (32.12) 15.25 (22.70) 13.85 (21.60) 8.60 (16.61)
T2 58.40 (49.83) 55.15 (47.94) 51.95 (46.10) 49.25 (44.55) 46.80 (43.15) 43.65 (41.33) 39.90 (39.14) 36.05 (36.86) 31.85 (34.28) 28.00 (31.89)
T3 65.55 (54.07) 62.50 (52.25) 58.75 (50.04) 54.85 (47.77) 51.40 (45.79) 47.70 (43.66) 43.45 (41.21) 39.30 (38.79) 35.45 (36.49) 32.00 (34.40)
T4 49.15 (44.49) 46.70 (43.09) 42.80 (40.84) 38.60 (38.39) 35.45 (36.52) 31.75 (34.25) 17.95 (24.72) 13.85 (21.54) 11.90 (19.84) 10.30 (18.33)
T5 55.10 (47.91) 52.15 (46.22) 48.90 (44.35) 44.00 (41.53) 32.00 (34.42) 28.85 (32.43) 16.10 (23.28) 11.65 (19.72) 9.85 (17.99) 6.80 (14.43)
T6 52.40 (46.36) 49.85 (44.90) 46.10 (42.74) 41.30 (39.97) 37.35 (37.64) 34.40 (35.87) 30.90 (33.72) 28.25 (32.03) 25.45 (30.20) 23.30 (28.77)
T7 31.23 (33.85) 29.15 (31.54) 27.60 (31.55) 25.10 (29.87) 23.10 (28.52) 21.65 (27.46) 20.20 (26.40) 17.70 (24.60) 16.30 (23.52) 13.95 (21.62)
SEm+ 0.58 0.51 0.45 0.45 0.39 0.38 0.16 0.13 0.26 0.25
CD (5%) 1.69 1.49 1.32 1.31 1.12 1.11 0.47 0.38 0.75 0.73
Interaction effect (S × T)
S1T1 65.10 (53.77) 61.50 (51.63) 57.30 (49.18) 48.20 (43.95) 46.10 (42.74) 43.90 (41.47) 32.70 (34.85) 20.20 (26.69) 18.10 (25.16) 12.40 (20.60)
S1T2 62.60 (52.28) 57.90 (49.52) 54.80 (47.74) 51.30 (45.72) 49.30 (44.58) 46.80 (43.14) 43.40 (41.19) 39.40 (38.86) 36.20 (36.97) 31.40 (34.06)
S1T3 69.80 (56.64) 66.10 (54.38) 62.40 (52.16) 58.10 (49.64) 54.20 (47.39) 50.70 (45.38) 47.60 (43.60) 43.20 (41.07) 39.70 (39.04) 35.80 (36.73)
S1T4 52.10 (46.18) 48.60 (44.17) 43.90 (41.47) 39.30 (38.80) 37.70 (37.86) 35.20 (36.37) 24.20 (29.45) 18.60 (25.53) 16.30 (23.80) 14.50 (22.37)
S1T5 58.40 (49.81) 54.60 (47.62) 50.60 (45.32) 45.70 (42.51) 34.60 (36.01) 32.10 (34.48) 22.10 (28.02) 15.30 (23.01) 13.40 (21.46) 10.70 (19.08)
S1T6 56.20 (48.54) 52.80 (46.58) 47.90 (43.77) 42.40 (40.61) 40.20 (39.32) 37.90 (37.98) 34.60 (36.01) 32.40 (34.68) 29.70 (33.00) 27.20 (31.42)
S1T7 36.76 (37.29) 35.20 (36.37) 33.40 (35.29) 31.00 (33.80) 29.20 (32.69) 28.10 (31.99) 26.80 (31.16) 23.30 (28.84) 21.40 (27.54) 18.70 (25.59)
S2T1 57.70 (49.41) 55.60 (48.19) 52.80 (46.59) 45.60 (42.45) 40.60 (39.56) 37.60 (37.79) 24.10 (29.38) 10.30 (18.71) 9.60 (18.04) 4.80 (12.61)
S2T2 54.20 (47.39) 52.40 (46.35) 49.10 (44.47) 47.20 (43.37) 44.30 (41.71) 40.50 (39.50) 36.40 (37.09) 32.70 (34.86) 27.50 (31.60) 24.60 (29.72)
S2T3 61.30 (51.51) 58.90 (50.10) 55.10 (47.91) 51.60 (45.89) 48.60 (44.17) 44.70 (41.94) 39.30 (38.80) 35.40 (36.49) 31.20 (33.94) 28.20 (32.06)
S2T4 46.20 (42.80) 44.80 (41.99) 47.10 (40.20) 37.90 (37.98) 33.20 (35.16) 28.30 (32.12) 11.70 (19.99) 9.10 (17.54) 7.50 (15.88) 6.10 (14.29)
S2T5 51.80 (46.01) 49.70 (44.80) 47.20 (43.38) 42.30 (40.54) 29.40 (32.82) 25.60 (30.38) 10.10 (18.52) 8.00 (16.41) 6.30 (14.52) 2.90 (9.77)
S2T6 48.60 (44.17) 46.90 (43.20) 44.30 (41.70) 40.20 (39.32) 34.50 (35.95) 30.90 (33.75) 27.20 (31.42) 24.10 (29.38) 21.20 (27.40) 19.40 (26.12)
S2T7 25.70 (30.40) 23.10 (28.71) 21.80 (27.82) 19.20 (25.93) 17.00 (24.33) 15.20 (22.93) 13.60 (21.63) 12.10 (20.34) 11.20 (19.49) 9.20 (17.65)
Mean 53.32 (46.87) 50.58 (45.26) 47.31 (43.35) 42.86 (40.75) 38.49 (38.16) 35.53 (36.37) 28.12 (31.51) 23.15 (28.03) 20.66 (26.27) 17.56 (17.56)
SEm+ 0.89 0.79 0.70 0.69 0.59 0.58 0.25 0.20 0.39 0.39
CD (5%) 2.67 2.28 2.03 2.00 1.71 1.69 0.71 0.58 1.14 1.13
*Figures in parentheses indicate arcsine transformed values
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T1 – GA3 (250 ppm) T2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T3 – KNO3 (250 ppm) T4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control

The germination due to the seed treatments varied significantly at all the months of
storage period.
At first month of storage period significantly highest germination was recorded in
KNO 3 (65.55%) treated seeds (T 3), followed by GA 3 (61.40%) treated seeds (T 1). The lowest
germination was recorded control (31.23%) (T7). Similar trend was observed upto three
months of storage period. At the fourth months of storage period significantly highest
germination (54.85%) was recorded in KNO3 (T3) treated seeds, followed by kinetin (T2)
(49.25%) treatment. The lowest germination was recorded in control (T 7) (25.10%).
The trend was continued upto six months of storage period. And at the seven months
of storage period highest germination was noticed in T3 (43.45%) followed by T2 (39.90%
While the lowest germination was recorded in cow urine (T5) treated seeds (16.10%), than
control (20.20%). Similar trend was upto the end of storage. At the length month of storage T 3
recorded highest germination of (32.00%) followed by T2 (28.00%) and the lowest was in T5
seeds (6.80%).
The interaction of seed source and seed treatments shows significant throughout the
period of storage. At the first month of storage period highest germination (69.80%) was
observed in S1T3 followed by S1T1 (65.10%) lowest germination was noticed in S2T7 (25.70%).
This trend was continued upto three months of storage. At fourth month highest germination
was recorded in S1T3 (58.10%) followed by S1T2 (51.30%) and the lowest germination was
observed in S 2T 7 (19.20%). The trend was similar upto six months of storage period. At the
seventh month highest germination was observed in S1T3 (47.60%) followed by S1T2
(43.40%), while the lowest germination was recorded in S2T5 (10.10%) than S2T7 (13.60%).
This was continued upto the end of storage period. At the end of ten months of storage period
S1T3 recorded highest germination (35.80%) followed by S1T2 (31.40%) and lowest
germination was observed in S2T5 (2.90%).
4.2.4.7 Seed health
Results are given in Table 32, Kalmegh fresh seeds recorded no infection in to first
month of seed storage and at five months end of storage (S1T7) control recorded moderately
infection (5-10%) and very less amount (0-5%) was found in S1T5 (cow urine). At the end of
the ten months of storage highest infection was found in control (20-40%) and less amount of
infection (5-20%) was found in S1T5 compared to others. Kalmegh old seeds recorded traces
amount of infection in the first month of storage in control (S 2T 7) and at the end of eight
months of storage control recorded moderately infection in control S2T7 (5-20%) and lowest
was in cow urine treatment S2T5 compared to others (0-5%). At the ten months end of storage
highest infection was found in control (S2T7) (20-40%) and the lowest was found in S2T5 (5-
20%) comparatively.

Table 32: Effect of seed treatment on seed health in Kalmegh seeds during storage
Treatments
1 st month after
storage
Fresh seeds Old seeds
5 th month after
storage
10 th month after
storage
P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3
Treatments
1 st month after
storage
5 th month after
storage
10 th month after
storage
P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3 P1 P2 P3
S1T1 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++ S2T1 - - - + + - + +++ ++
S 1T 2 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++ S 2T 2 - - - + + - ++ ++ ++
S1T3 - - - + + + ++ + ++ S2T3 - - - - + ++ ++ ++ ++
S1T4 - - - + + ++ ++ ++ ++ S2T4 - - - + + + ++ ++ ++
S1T5 - - - - + + + ++ ++ S2T5 - - - - - + - ++ -
S 1T 6 - - - - + ++ ++ ++ ++ S 2T 6 - - - ++ + + ++ ++ ++
S1T7 - - - ++ + ++ +++ +++ +++ S2T7 - - + ++ ++ ++ +++ +++ +++
S1 – Fresh seeds S2 – Old seeds
T 1 – GA 3 (250 ppm) T 2 – Kinetin (0.2%) T 3 – KNO 3 (250 ppm) T 4 – Vermiwash (10%)
T5 – Cow urine (10%) T6 – Cold stratification T7 – Control
+ - Traces of infection (0.5%) ++ - 5 – 20% of infection +++ - 20 – 40% of infection
P1 – Aspergillus spp. P2 – Rhizophus spp. P3 – Penicillium spp.

Plate.4. Pathogens observed at the end of storage period in different medicinal plants

5. DISCUSSION
Medicinal crops are gaining much importance now-a-days and are exploited for their
valuable disease curing properties without any side effects. Thereby cultivation of medicinal
crops became indispensable to meet the demand and to conserve their diversity. For the
successful cultivation of a crop, knowledge on their propagating material is important and rhe
propagation of Ocimum sanctum, Withania somnifera, Catharanthus roseus and
Andrographis paniculata are through seeds. In these medicinal crops not much work has
been done on the seed technological aspects especially the seed testing procedures and
seed storage techniques. The information on these aspects is rather scanty. Therefore, an
attempt has been made to investigate seed testing procedure and storage behaviour of these
selected medicinal crops. The results obtained are discussed hereunder.
5.1 Experiment-I : Standardization of the suitable media,
temperature, light requirement and duration on
germination in Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Periwinkle
and Kalmegh seeds
5.1.1 Influence of media/method on seed germination and seedling
characters
Media play an important role in initiation of germination. Basic function of medium is
to provide optimum moisture with proper oxygen supply to trigger the germination process
and to provide mechanical support for growth of seedlings. The results on the effect of media
on seed germination and seedling vigour of medicinal plants are discussed here.
5.1.1.1 Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Tulsi is an important medicinal crop having use for various purposes. There is a need
for standardization of germination procedures, in order to fix all the germination requirements.
The results obtained during standardizing the germination procedures are discussed below.
In Tulsi significantly highest seed germination was observed in top of paper (TP)
method (65.63%), followed by between paper (BP) method (59.58%) and sand medium
(55.47%). This may be due to better supply of oxygen and light in the top of paper method
compared to sand medium and also due to the seeds of these species are comparatively
smaller in size. Among the media significantly highest speed of germination (0.222) was
observed in top of paper method followed by between paper method (0.196) and lowest was
by sand medium (0.173).
Significantly highest root length (1.65 cm) and shoot length (3.38 cm) was observed
in top of paper method, which inturn resulted into highest seedling vigour index (341). The
next best treatment was between paper. The lowest values were recorded for above
parameters indicating non-suitability of sand media for testing germination in the laboratory.
Further, significantly highest seedling dry weight (3.94 mg) in top of paper method
and lowest (3.00 mg) in sand medium were noticed. These results are similar with the studies
of Verma et al. (1989) and Poojar (2000), who also suggested that top of paper method is
better in Plantago ovata.
5.1.1.2 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
It is having role in curing some major diseases. But, due to its poor germination,
standardization of germination parameters was taken and results of these parameters are
discussed below. Ashwagandha seeds showed significantly highest germination in between
paper method (72.54%) followed by top of paper method (69.41%) and sand medium
(64.77%).

The speed of germination (0.245), root length (5.05 cm), shoot length (10.06 cm),
seedling vigour index (1110) and seedling dry weight (14.70 mg) were found significantly
higher in between paper method among the media. And the lowest was found in sand media
where it recorded the speed of germination (0.204), root length (4.41 cm), shoot length (9.18
cm), seedling vigour index (894) and seedling dry weight (13.45 mg).
Higher values of seedling parameters in between paper method compared to top of
paper method and sand medium might be due to better supply of moisture and oxygen
throughout the testing period. These conditions might have caused higher growth of seedlings
such results were also reported by Chacko (1983) in Anthocephelus chilensis and Sriram
(2004) for germination of Ashwagandha seeds.
5.1.1.3 Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
To know the dormancy in Periwinkle, the germination test was conducted. The results
of standardization of germination test procedures are discussed here. The seeds of
Periwinkle did not show much variation between sand and between paper method of
germination. Higher seed germination of 43.95 per cent was recorded in between paper
method, which was on par with sand medium (43.46%), the lowest germination (32.98%) was
recorded in top of paper method. The highest speed of germination (0.254) was noticed in
between paper method, whereas lowest (0.200) was observed in top of paper method.
Periwinkle seeds recorded significantly highest root length (5.18 cm), shoot length
(7.77 cm), seedling vigour index (604) and seedling dry weight (13.63 mg) in between paper
method compared to sand medium and lowest was registered for above parameters in top of
paper method.
Top of paper method recorded significantly lowest root length (4.53 cm), shoot length
(6.88 cm), seedling vigour index (401) and seedling dry weight (12.68 mg) indicating the nonsuitability
for the germination test in Periwinkle seeds.
Higher values of seedling parameters in between paper method compared to top of
paper method and sand medium may be due to better growth of root and shoot length of
seedling, put up more growth, dry matter of seedling in shortest period. These results are in
agreement with Gupta et al. (1975) and Goda (1987) who reported the suitability of paper
method for Acacia nilotica seeds. Ellis et al. (1985a) also suggested the use of between paper
method for conduct of germination test in Catharanthus roseus and Hibiscus subdariffa
seeds.
5.1.1.4 Kalmegh (Andrograhis paniculata)
Kalmegh seeds need some standardization procedures because of its poor
performance in germination. To improve its performance, standardization of the germination
test was undertaken. The obtained results are discussed hereunder.
Higher germination and speed of germination values are found in top of paper
method which recorded 71.71 per cent and 0.267, respectively. The lowest germination
(66.98%) and speed of germination (0.214) was found in sand media due to lack of sufficient
oxygen supply and compactness of sand.
Root length (6.93 cm), shoot length (17.64 cm), seedling vigour index (1767) and
seedling dry weight (14.29 mg) were significantly higher at top of paper method. Whereas,
significantly lowest root length (6.19 cm), shoot length (16.84 cm), seedling vigour index
(1548) and seedling dry weight (13.43 mg) were observed in sand medium.
Higher values in top of paper method was observed due to better light conditions.
Similar results were observed by Gangadhar et al. (1998), who recommended top of paper
method for better and quick germination in Andrographis paniculata.

5.1.2 Influence of temperature on seed germination and seedling characters
Germination is the resultant of the interaction of various environmental factors with
the intrinsic factors of seeds. The development of seedling involves a series of steps
beginning with absorption of water by the seed at suitable temperature leading to the rupture
of the seed coat and emergence of radical and plumule. During the germination process a
number of chemical interactions take place. These reactions takes place with different steps
and success of these reactions is dependent upon the proper functioning of permeable
membrane surrounding the various organelles within the cellular structures of the seed. A
number of external and internal factors such as temperature, pH, relative humidity, harmones
and metabolic energy affect the permeability of these membranes. Thus cause variation in the
germination and vigour of seedlings to emerge from the media.
An optimum temperature requirement varies from species to species and even with
cultivars of same species for seed germination. Keeping this in view, role of optimum
temperature and its after effects on germination and seedling growth are discussed based on
the results obtained in the present investigation.
5.1.2.1 Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Tulsi seeds exhibited significantly higher germination (76.59%) at alternate
temperature (20-30 0 C), followed by 25 0 C (68.56%) and significantly lowest germination
(40.97%) was noticed at 15 0 C constant temperature. The germination and speed of
germination were slightly delayed at 15 0 C than other temperatures and completed at short
period of time at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature. This is because of temperature, which has
considerable effect on the kinetic aspects of germination and especially on the initial lag
phase and final germination. Therefore, at lower temperature, the total germination will be
poor and germination rate will be less. The results are in accordance with Swapna (2003),
who observed faster and higher germination at alternate temperature compared to constant
temperature (20 0 C) in Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum basillium and Ocimum gratissimum.
Speed of germination (0.322), root length (1.70 cm), shoot length (3.62 cm), seedling
vigour index (413) and seedling dry weight (4.16 mg) was recorded significantly higher at
20/30 0 C alternate temperature due to absence of optimum temperature. Significantly lower
speed of germination (0.090), root length (1.02 cm), shoot length (2.16 cm), seedling vigour
index (136) and seedling dry weight (2.75 mg) was noticed at 15 0 C constant temperature.
Bonner (1975) in Fraxinus americana and Lin et al. (1979) in Phellodendron wilsonii
and Phellodendron amurense also reported that alternating temperature gave beter results of
germination compared to constant temperature.
Gupta et al. (1975) in Pinus wallichiava and Cham Sharma and Downs (1982) in
Chlorophora excelsa, who reported that significantly higher germination per cent was found at
alternating temperature of 20/30 0 C.
5.1.2.2 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha seeds showed higher germination (73.29%), speed of germination
(0.255) was found at 25 0 C constant temperature. The lowest germination (64.10%), speed of
germination (0.194) was recorded at 15 0 C.
The germination and speed of germination was slightly delayed at 15 0 C than other
temperatures. This is because of temperature had considerable effect on the kinetic aspects
of germination and especially on the initial lag phase and final germination. At lower
temperature the total germination will be poor and germination rate will be less due to lack of
optimum temperature for Ashwagandha seeds.
Temperature of 25 0 C recorded significantly higher root length (5.19 cm), shoot length
(10.62 cm), seedling vigour index (1173) and seedling dry weight (16.14 mg). Significantly
lower root length (4.21 cm), shoot length (8.91 cm), seedling vigour index (852), seedling dry
weight (11.91 mg) was recorded at 15 0 C constant temperature.

5.1.2.3 Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
At constant temperature of 25 0 C, Periwinkle seeds recorded significantly higher
germination (69.94%), speed of germination (0.281). Whereas, significantly lowest
germination (17.11%), speed of germination (0.171) at 15 0 C constant temperature.
The results are confirmed with Mastalerz (1976). According to him, the optimum
temperature for germination of Catharanthus roseus was 20-25 0 C.
Significantly higher root length (5.47 cm), shoot length (7.86 cm), seedling vigour
index (949) and seedling dry weight (13.74 mg) was noticed at 25 0 C, while significantly lower
root length (4.18 cm), shoot length (6.80 cm), seedling vigour index (198) and seedling dry
weight (12.60 mg) was observed at 15 0 C constant temperature.
Cardoso (1999) also reported that seed germination of Catharanthus roseus recorded
highest value at the temperature at 22 0 C - 27 0 C and Shamin Mustaf et al. (1999) recorded the
same at 25 0 C.
5.1.2.4 Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
There was no much variation between 20 0 C and 15 0 C constant temperature in
germination. Significantly higher germination (72.83%) was found at 20 0 C, while significantly
lowest germination (65.90%) was observed at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature. Joshna (1978)
reported that an alternating temperature of 10/25 0 C hastened the germination in Solanum
incanum.
Faster speed of germination (0.280), higher root length (7.02 cm), shoot length (17.81
cm), seedling vigour index (1813) and seedling dry weight (14.36 mg) was recorded at 20 0 C.
The slower speed of germination (0.196), lower root length (6.04 cm), shoot length (16.71
cm), seedling vigour index (1504), seedling dry weight (13.42 mg) was noticed at 20/30 0 C
alternate temperature.
The higher total percentage and rate of seed germination and seedling parameters
may be due to better water absorption that led to higher biochemical changes resulted in
higher rate of germination parameters of seeds at 20 0 C compared to 20/30 0 C. These results
are in accordance with the reports of Gupta et al. (1975) in Acacia nilotica species Krussiana.
Adarshkumar and Bhatnagar (1976) in Dalbergia sissooo and Murthy and Reddy (1989) in
Zizyphus mauritiana.
5.1.3 Influence of light and KNO3 on seed germination and seedling
characters
Light is an extremely important factor for releasing seeds from dormancy. Seeds of
many species are affected by exposure to white light for a few minutes or seconds. Whereas,
others require intermittent illumination, light requiring seed under long-term illumination with
white light could break the dormancy.
KNO3 is most widely used chemical for promoting germination of seeds which are
sensitive to light. The stimulatory effect of KNO 3 influence the respiratory system directly
(Adkins et al., 1984) and also by stimulating oxygen uptake (Hilton and Thomas, 1986) or
serve as a co-factor of phytochrome, a light sensitive protein pigment (Hilhorst, 1990).
Keeping this in view, the light and KNO3 and its effects on germination and seedling growth
are discussed here.
5.1.3.1 Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Higher germination (65.18%) rate of germination (0.243) was noticed at 24 hours
light. While, significantly lower germination (53.98%), rate of germination (0.146) was
recorded at dark without KNO 3.
Root length (1.73 cm), shoot length (3.45 cm), seedling vigour index (350), seedling
dry weight (3.85 mg) was significantly higher at 24 hours light. On the contrary, significantly

lower root length (0.98 cm), shoot length (2.37 cm), seedling vigour index (194), seedling dry
weight (3.01 mg) was observed at dark without KNO3.
This is due to light which plays an important role for releasing seeds from dormancy,
light requiring seed under long-term illumination with white light could break the dormancy
(Anon., 1985).
5.1.3.2 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
There was significant difference among light treatments. Higher germination
(76.63%), speed of germination (0.266) was observed at light exposure for 24 hours and
lowest germination (59.68%), speed of germination (0.187) was noticed in dark without KNO 3.
Significantly higher root length (5.51 cm), shoot length (10.65 cm) and seedling vigour
index (1245) was recorded at 24 hours light. Whereas, lowest root length (3.86 cm), shoot
length (8.42 cm) and seedling vigour index (736) was observed in dark without KNO3.
Seedling dry weight was higher (14.97 mg) in light exposed for 24 hours and lowest
(13.14 mg) was registered at dark without KNO3.
This is because of breaking of dormancy by light when seeds are exposed
continuously for 24 hours (Anon., 1985).
5.1.3.3 Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
Higher germination (49.08%), rate of germination (0.268) was reported in dark with
KNO3 and lower germination (30.22%), rate of germination (0.178) was observed when seeds
are exposed to light for 24 hours.
This is because Periwinkle is a negatively photoblastic plant, which grows better in
night or dark comparatively than day or light (Anon., 1985).
This inturn results with significantly higher root length (5.68 cm), shoot length (8.47
cm), seedling vigour index (716) and seedling dry weight (14.23 mg) was recorded in dark
with KNO 3. Whereas, seeds exposure to light for 24 hours noticed lowest root length (4.03
cm), shoot length (6.28 cm), seedling vigour index (332) and seedling dry weight (12.23 mg).
The results are in agreement with the findings of Carpenter and Bouncher (1992),
who have showed highest germination percentage in complete darkness.
5.1.3.4 Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
There was no much difference found between the light treatments for seed
germination. At 24 hours exposure of light on seeds significantly higher germination (71.98%),
speed of germination (0.285) was noticed. But, lowest germination (66.38%), speed of
germination (0.200) was recorded in dark without KNO 3. Because of the light effect on
Kalmegh seeds, which plays an important role in releasing of seeds from dormancy. And
when seeds exposed to white light under long-term leads to the break of dormancy.
The root length (7.27 cm), shoot length (18.18 cm), seedling vigour index (1835) and
seedling dry weight (15.04 mg) was significantly highest during exposure to light on seeds for
24 hours. And significantly lowest root length (5.72 cm), shoot length (16.31 cm), seedling
vigour index (1465) and seedling dry weight (12.66 mg) was noticed in dark without KNO3 due
to seeds are having positive response to light and the absence of KNO3, which is a growth
promoter.
5.1.4 Interaction effect of media and temperature on seed germination
Germination process is the result of the interaction of various factors such as
moisture, temperature, oxygen pressure and in some cases light. Chemical composition of
seeds of different species varies markedly. So, the factors affecting their germination, also do
vary accordingly. Germination process is influenced by number of chemical reactions like
action of harmones, enzymes and permeability of the membrane. These reactions not only
depend on the media, temperature, but also the micro-climate within which seed germinates.

5.1.4.1 Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
The top of paper method at alternate temperature of 20/30 0 C gave highest
germination (81.40%), speed of germination (0.350). The next best treatment was recorded in
between paper method at 20/30 0 C temperature (77.03%). Lowest germination (36.83%),
speed of germination (0.80) was noticed in sand media at 15 0 C. This was due to very small
size seeds, because the sand particles create an obstacle for their germination.
Significantly higher root length (1.90 cm), shoot length (3.90 cm), seedling vigour
index (475) and seedling dry weight (4.62 mg) was observed on top of paper method at
20/30 0 C alternate temperature. Meanwhile, the lowest root length (0.63 cm), shoot length
(1.50 cm), seedling vigour index (82) and seedling dry weight (2.17 mg) was noticed in sand
media at 15 0 C.
These results are in accordance with the results of Sriram (2004), who have
suggested top of paper is better with alternate temperature 25/30 0 C.
5.1.4.2 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Significantly higher germination (76.73%), speed of germination (0.280) was
observed in between paper method at 25 0 C constant temperature. Whereas, lowest
germination (59.93%), speed of germination (0.170) was observed in sand medium at 15 0 C.
This may be due to better supply of oxygen, optimum water absorption in between paper
method which inturn leads to maximum root length (5.53 cm), shoot length (11.23 cm),
seedling vigour index (1297) and seedling dry weight (16.70 mg). Similar findings were
reported by Poojar (2000), who have showed higher values of seedling parameters in
between paper method in Psorelia corylifolia. On the other hand, significantly lowest root
length (3.93 cm), shoot length (8.47 cm), seedling vigour index (751) and seedling dry weight
(11.27 mg) was noticed in sand media at 15 0 C.
5.1.4.3 Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
In between paper method at 25 0 C constant temperature significantly higher
germination (79.87%), speed of germination (0.310) was recorded. The effect of these values
resulted in highest root length (5.90 cm), shoot length (8.30 cm), seedling vigour index (1142)
and seedling dry weight (14.20 mg) in between paper method at 25 0 C. This is due to the
temperature in presence of adequate moisture has stimulatory effect on the mitochondrial
metabolism within a tolerance limit which is specific for every species.
While top of paper method at 15 0 C recorded lowest germination (21.57%), speed of
germination (0.170), lowest root length (4.13 cm), shoot length (6.87 cm), seedling vigour
index (251) and seedling dry weight (12.6 mg). The lower values may be due to temperature
prescribed for each species is optimum and a lower temperature may inhibit the catabolic
activities in seeds. It may also result in failure of activation of pre-existing enzymes resulting
in failure of germination (Heydecker, 1973).
5.1.4.4 Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
The significantly higher values were observed in top of paper method at 20 0 C, which
showed higher germination (75.70%) and speed of germination (0.310). This is because
higher temperature, which inhibit some of the enzymes due to denature of proteins. Thus,
impairing the anabolic activities for the development of embryonic plant (Poojar, 2000). These
higher values influenced on higher root length (7.43 cm), shoot length (18.13 cm), seedling
vigour index (1938) and seedling dry weight (14.77 mg).
On the contrary, significantly lower germination, root length (5.84 cm), shoot length
(16.23 cm), seedling vigour index (1426) and seedling dry weight (12.93 mg) were noticed in
sand medium at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature.

5.1.5 Interaction effect of media and light on speed of germination
Media and light plays an important role in germination process, where media provide
optimum oxygen and water for the emergence of seed into a seedling, which differs from the
species to other. Light improves the germination through breaking the dormancy in most of
the positive photoblastic plants. Also, improves the micro-climatic conditions of the seed to
emerge into a seedling. Based on these aspects, the results are discussed below.
5.1.5.1 Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
The highest germination (69.30%) and speed of germination (0.270) were recorded in
top of paper method at 24 hours light exposure on seeds. While, the lowest germination
(46.88%) and speed of germination (0.120) were noticed in sand medium at dark without
KNO3.
This is because in Ocimum species germination is phytochrome dependent which
had a typical high irradiance response (Roche et al., 2002). And entering of light in top of
paper method is easy and more compared to other methods. This reason leads to higher root
length (1.95 cm), shoot length (3.85 cm), seedling vigour index (410), seedling dry weight
(4.37 mg). Whereas, sand medium in dark without KNO3 reported lowest root length (0.73
cm), shoot length (1.83 cm), seedling vigour index (131) and seedling dry weight (2.61 mg).
5.1.5.2 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
The between paper method at 24 hours light exposure on seeds recorded highest
germination (80.13%), speed of germination (0.290). On the other hand, lowest germination
(56.98%), speed of germination (0.170) was observed by sand medium in dark without KNO3.
Significantly highest root length (5.78 cm), shoot length (11.05 cm), seedling vigour
index (1352), seedling dry weigh (15.61 mg) was observed in between paper method at light
exposure for 24 hours. Meanwhile, lowest root length (3.53 cm), shoot length (7.83 cm),
seedling vigour index (648), seedling weight (12.53 mg) was recorded by sand medium at
dark without KNO3.
This is due to light which is having an important role in releasing of dormancy and
between paper method provides a better air water relationship set in for initiating the early
germination.
5.1.5.3 Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
Higher germination (53.90%), speed of germination (0.300) was found in between
paper method with KNO3. Significantly lowest germination (25.88%), speed of germination
(0.150) was observed in top of paper method at 24 hours exposure to light.
Root length (6.03 cm), shoot length (8.90 cm), seedling vigour index (812), seedling
dry weight (14.50 mg) was significantly higher in between paper method at dark with KNO3 at
25 0 C, while significantly lower root length (3.73 cm), shoot length (5.85 cm), seedling vigour
index (262), seedling dry weight (11.65 mg) was noticed in top of paper method at 24 hours
exposure to light.
This is because Periwinkle is a negative photoblastic plant which can grow better in
dark than in light. And KNO3 is most widely used chemical for promoting germination of
seeds, which are sensitive to light.
The stimulatory effect of KNO3 influence the respiratory system directly (Adkins et al.,
1984) and also by stimulatory oxygen uptake (Hilton and Thomas, 1986) or serve as a cofactor
of phytochrome, a light sensitive protein pigment (Hilhorst, 1990).
5.1.5.4 Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
The top of paper method at 24 hours light exposure on seeds recorded highest
germination (74.05%), speed of germination (0.320), while the lowest germination (63.83%),

speed of germination (0.180) was registered by sand medium at dark without KNO 3. The
higher values of results was due to easy light entry in top of paper method, which enhances
the germination by breaking the dormancy in Kalmegh seeds.
As a result of this higher root length (7.68 cm), shoot length (18.53 cm), seedling
vigour index (1943), seedling dry weight (15.40 mg) was significantly higher in top of paper
method at 24 hours light exposure on seeds. Whereas lowest root length (5.28 cm), shoot
length (15.90 cm), seedling vigour index (1354), seedling dry weight (12.02 mg) was recorded
by sand media at dark without KNO3.
5.1.6 Interaction effect of temperature and light on seed germination
As the light requirement, the optimum temperature required for seed germination
varies from species to species and even with the cultivars of the same species.
These temperature bring changes in the thermolabile complex macro molecular
compound such as active precursor, a membrane separating certain reactants etc. to permit
initiation of germination. Keeping this in view the interaction resultant of light and temperature
are discussed here.
5.1.6.1 Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
At 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in 24 hours light exposure on Tulsi seeds recorded
significantly higher germination (81.50%), speed of germination (0.380). On the other hand,
lowest germination (35.37%), speed of germination (0.050) was recorded at 15 0 C in dark
without KNO3.
Because, the alternate temperature may bring changes in the thermolabile complex
macro molecular compound such as active precursor, a membrane separating certain
reactants etc. to permit initiation of germination, and Ocimum species is a phytochrome
dependent which had a typical high irradiance response.
The significantly highest root length (2.03 cm), shoot length (4.13 cm), seedling
vigour index (504), seedling dry weight (4.48 mg) was noticed during 20/30 0 C alternate
temperature for 24 hours light exposure. But, significantly lowest root length (0.63 cm), shoot
length (1.70 cm), seedling vigour index (87) and seedling dry weight (2.34 mg) was noticed at
15 0 C in dark without KNO3.
5.1.6.2 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
The highest germination (78.43%), speed of germination (0.300) was recorded at
25 0 C constant temperature in 24 hours light, while the lowest germination (56.83%), speed of
germination (0.160) was recorded at 15 0 C constant temperature in dark without KNO 3,
because lower temperature will inhibit the catabolic activities in Ashwagandha seeds. It may
also result in failure of activation of pre-existing enzymes resulting in failure of germination.
24 hours exposure of seeds to light will enhance germination by breaking the
dormancy, which inturn leads to significantly higher root length (6.00 cm), shoot length (11.60
cm), seedling vigour index (1454), seedling dry weight (17.23 mg) was recorded at 25 0 C
temperature in 24 hours light. Whereas, the lowest root length (3.23 cm), shoot length (7.67
cm), seedling vigour index (622) and seedling dry weight (11.13 mg) was reported at 15 0 C
temperature in dark without KNO3.
5.1.6.3 Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
At 25 0 C in dark with KNO3 highest germination (79.80%), speed of germination
(0.320) was noticed. Meanwhile, at 15 0 C in 24 hours light exposure on seeds recorded lowest
germination (9.77%) and speed of germination (0.120). Because catabolic activities may be
inhibited at lower temperature leads to failure of germination.
Periwinkle is a light sensitive plant grows better in dark than light, with KNO3 due to
the stimulatory effect of KNO3 on germination process of seeds. It contributes for significantly

higher root length (6.23 cm), shoot length (8.93 cm), seedling vigour index (1215), seedling
dry weight (14.70 mg) at 25 0 C in dark with KNO3. But, lowest root length (4.10 cm), shoot
length (6.73 cm), seedling vigour index (200) and seedling dry weight (12.50 mg) was
registered at 15 0 C in 24 hours exposure to light on Periwinkle seeds.
5.1.6.4 Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
Kalmegh seeds recorded significantly highest germination (75.87%), speed of
germination (0.320) at 20 0 C in 24 hours light. The results are confirmed with Poojar (2000),
who also noticed similar trend in germination, rate of germination in Ammi majus at 20 0 C. On
the other hand, significantly lowest germination (62.80%), speed of germination (0.150) was
registered at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in dark without KNO3.
Significantly higher root length (7.77 cm), shoot length (18.60 cm), seedling vigour
index (2002), seedling dry weight (15.43 mg) was observed at 20 0 C in 24 hours light. The
higher values of the results are due to effect of light under long-term exposure of white light
leads to enhancement of germination by breaking the dormancy (Anon., 1985). On the
contrary, lowest root length (5.07 cm), shoot length (15.67 cm), seedling vigour index (1303),
seedling dry weight (12.17 mg) was recorded at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in dark without
KNO 3.
5.1.7 Interaction of media, temperature and light on seed germination
parameters
Germination is the resultant of the interaction of various environmental and seed
intrinsic factors. The development of seedling involves a series of steps beginning with
absorption of water into the seed in the presence of suitable temperature leading to the
rupture of seed coat and emergence of radical and plumule. During germination process a
number of chemical interactions may take place. In each of these reactions, that are involved
in different events and success of these reactions is dependent upon the proper functioning of
permeable membrane surrounding various organelles within the cellular structures of the
seed. A number of external and internal factors such as temperature, light, pH, relative
humidity, environment, hormones etc. affect the permeability of these membranes. Thus, they
cause variation in the germination and speed of emergence from the media (Copeland and
McDonald, 1989).
5.1.7.1 Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
The top of paper method at 20/30 0 C alternate temperature in 24 hours exposure to
light recorded significantly highest germination (84.80%), speed of germination (0.400), root
length (2.20 cm), shoot length (4.40 cm), seedling vigour index (560) and seedling dry weight
(4.96 mg). Whereas, lowest germination (30.40%), speed of germination (0.040), root length
(0.20 cm), shoot length (1.00 cm), seedling vigour index (36) and seedling dry weight (1.912
mg) was registered by sand at 15 0 C in dark without KNO3.
This is because seeds are smaller in size, alternating temperature acts as a precursor
to permit germination and Ocimum species is phytochrome dependent and have typical high
irradiance response.
5.1.7.2 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Higher germination (84.90%), speed of germination (0.320), root length (6.30 cm),
shoot length (12.10 cm), seedling vigour index (1563) and seedling dry weight (17.80 mg)
was recorded by between paper method at 25 0 C in 24 hours light. Higher germination and
seedling parameters was observed in between paper method because of better air and water
relationship between seeds and environments. Continuous white light for 24 hours act as a
kinetic force for increasing the germination.
While lowest germination (54.10%), speed of germination (0.130), root length (2.90
cm), shoot length (7.10 cm), seedling vigour index (541) and seedling dry weight (10.60 mg)
was noticed by sand at 15 0 C in dark without KNO 3.

5.1.7.3 Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
Between paper method at 25 0 C in dark with KNO3 recorded higher germination
(90.70%), speed of germination (0.361), root length (6.70 cm), shoot length (9.20 cm),
seedling vigour index (1442), seedling dry weight (15.10 mg). Higher values of the results will
indicate that Periwinkle is a negatively photoblastic plant grow better in dark than in light.
KNO3 is a growth promoter which improves the germination, at optimum temperature by
gaining sufficient oxygen and water through between paper method.
But, at lower temperature, which inhibits the catabolic activities of the germination
process and exposure to light continuously for 24 hours to a light sensitive plant in top of
paper method hindered the germination (7.40%), speed of germination (0.103), which inturns
results in root length (3.10 cm), shoot length (5.30 cm), seedling vigour index (62) and
seedling dry weight (11.0 mg) at 15 0 C temperature.
5.1.7.4 Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
Maximum germination (78.80%), speed of germination (0.359), root length (8.20 cm),
shoot length (18.90 cm), seedling vigour index (2134), seedling dry weight (15.80 mg) was
reported by top of paper method at 20 0 C in 24 hours light. Higher values showed that
optimum micro-climatic condition was created through media, temperature and light for
germination and seedling parameters. Minimum germination (61.00%), speed of germination
(0.141), root length (4.80 cm), shoot length (15.20 cm), seedling vigour index (1221) and
seedling dry weight (11.40 mg) was registered by sand medium at 20/30 0 C alternate
temperature in dark without KNO 3. Lower germination and seedling parameters of Kalmegh
seeds may be due to small seed size and difficult to penetrate through sand.
5.1.8 Fixing the number of days for first and final count in different medicinal
plant species
For every crop, first and final count will be fixed. First count will be taken for every
species after 50 per cent of germination is over. Whereas, final count will be fixed after the
germination process is completed. Based on this, first and final counts of these species were
fixed.
The first count in Tulsi can be fixed on third day by top of paper method at 20/30 0 C
alternate temperature in 24 hours light exposure on seeds and final count can be taken on
nineth day as on this day germination was completed.
In Ashwagandha, first count can be fixed on fifth day by between paper method at
25 0 C temperature in 24 hours light exposure on seeds and final count can be taken on nineth
day as on this day germination was completed.
In Periwinkle, first count can be fixed on seventh day by between paper method at
25 0 C temperature in dark with KNO3 and final count can be taken on 14 th day as on this day
germination was completed.
Similar results were found by Kalavathi et al. (2001), who had reported first and final
counts can be taken on seventh and fourteenth days for Periwinkle seeds.
In Kalmegh, first count can be fixed on seventh day by top of paper method at 20 0 C
temperature in 24 hours light exposure on seeds and final count can be taken on 13 th day as
on this day germination was completed.
5.2 Experiment-II : Effect of seed treatment on enhancing
germination in Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Periwinkle
and Kalmegh seeds during storage
Differentially aged seeds were taken and they were treated with pre-sowing
treatments (GA3, kinetin, KNO3, vermiwash, cow urine, cold stratification), where untreated
seeds were used as a control. The treated seeds were stored in a polythene bag for 10
months under ambient storage conditions of Dharwad from August, 2007 to May, 2008.
During storage studies, monthly observations on germination, shoot length, root length, vigour

plants
Plate.3. Effect of media, temperature, light and its duration on different medicinal

Plate.3. Contd….

index, nursery establishment, electrical conductivity of seed leachate and seed health
were recorded. The results of storage studies are discussed below.
The results of storage studies indicated that irrespective of seed source and presoaking
treatments and their interaction, different seed quality parameters viz., germination
and seedling vigour parameters were found to decrease markedly except electrical
conductivity value with increase in storage period. The marked decrease in the seed quality
parameters under advancing storage period may be attributed to seed coat characters
(Delouche, 1973), age induced physiochemical seed deterioration, lipid peroxidation leading
to production of toxic metabolites that act upon cell and cell organells, denaturation of
proteins and enzymes (Roberts, 1972) and due to chromosomal abnormalities.
5.2.1 Influence of seed age
Irrespective of seed treatment, seed quality parameters differed significantly due to
seed source throughout the ten months of storage period. The seed quality parameters
showed significant difference due to seed source. Fresh seeds (S1) after pre-storage
treatment, recorded higher germination percentage, shoot length, root length, seedling vigour
index and field emergence in the nursery (74.69%, 9.76 cm, 6.40 cm, 1225, 66.53%,
respectively) over the old seeds (S 2) (63.04%, 8.31 cm, 5.54 cm, 893, 53.90%, respectively)
at the first month of storage in Tulsi. The gradual reduction in these quality parameters with
the increase in storage period was noticed in both fresh and old seeds. At the end of ten
months of storage seed quality parameters viz., germination (%), shoot length, root length,
seedling vigour index and field emergence in the nursery were recorded higher values in fresh
seeds (S1) (39.29%, 5.53 cm, 3.59 cm, 387, 31.14%, respectively) as compared to old seeds
(S2) (28.57%, 4.04 cm, 2.40 cm, 212, 23.36%, respectively). Similarly, a variation in electrical
conductivity of seed leachates and seed health was observed at all the months of storage
period. Lower electrical conductivity (0.212 dS/m) of seed leachate was recorded in fresh
seeds whereas higher electrical (0.354 dS/m) was found in old seeds in the first month of
storage. As storage period increases, electrical conductivity also increased. At the end of ten
months fresh seeds exhibited comparatively lower electrical conductivity than old seeds.
Fresh seeds (S 1) recorded (0.532 dS/m), which was lower than the electrical conductivity of
old seeds (S2) (0.823 ds/m). Seed health deteriorated slightly with increase in storage period.
But, the extent of deterioration was very low in fresh seeds compared to old seeds in case of
Tulsi.
5.2.2 Influence of seed treatments
period.
These seed treatments showed significant difference at all the months of storage
KNO3 treated seeds showed best performance in all the seed quality parameters
compared to the other treatments throughout the storage period.
KNO 3 treated seeds showed higher germination, shoot length, root length, seedling
vigour index, and field emergence in nursery (81.55%, 10.45 cm, 6.85 cm, 1417, 71.45%,
respectively) at the end of first month of storage. This was followed by GA3 (77.90%, 10.15
cm, 6.58 cm, 1308, 68.45%) of germination, shoot length, root length, seedling vigour index
and field emergence in nursery, respectively. Lowest seed quality parameters were observed
in control or untreated seeds (51.15%, 6.25 cm, 4.55 cm, 557 and 42.15%), respectively.
Lowest electrical conductivity was observed in KNO3 treated seeds (0.252 dS/m)
followed by GA3 (0.259 dS/m) and the highest was recorded in control (0.342 dS/m) at the
end of first month of storage.
And at the time of fourth month of storage highest seed quality parameters like
germination (%), shoot length, root length, seedling vigour index, emergence in nursery was
seen in KNO3 treated seeds (70.50%, 9.50 cm, 6.05 cm, 1107, 61.30%, respectively),
followed by kinetin treated seeds recorded (64.75% germination, 9.00 cm shoot length 5.55
cm root length, 951 seedling vigour index and 56.75% emergence in nursery). Lower seed
quality parameters (46.22%, 5.35 cm, 4.00 cm, 439, 36.25%) were noticed in control.

Electrical conductivity of seed leachate was lowest in KNO 3 treated seeds (0.308 dS/m)
among all the treatments, followed by kinetin (0.342 dS/m). But, the highest electrical
conductivity was registered in control (0.466 dS/m).
At the end of seventh month of storage higher seed quality parameters were noticed
in KNO 3 treated seeds (60.20%, 8.50 cm, 5.30 cm, 843, 51.90%), followed by kinetin treated
seeds (55.70%, 7.95 cm, 4.75 cm, 715, 47.60%, respectively). The lowest values was
recorded in cow urine treated seeds (34.80%, 3.95 cm, 3.10 cm, 254, 26.50%) than in control.
The electrical conductivity of seed leachate was very low in KNO3 treated seeds (0.382 dS/m)
followed by kinetin treated seeds (0.432 dS/m) and highest electrical conductivity was found
in cow urine treated seeds (0.657 dS/m).
At the end of ten months storage period KNO3 was higher in seed quality parameters
(51.55%, 7.35 cm, 4.40 cm, 615, 41.05%), followed by kinetin (46.55%, 6.90 cm, 3.80 cm,
505, 36.80%). And the lowest was recorded in cow urine treatment (19.60%, 2.85 cm, 1.95
cm, 100, 15.85%) among all the treatments.
Electrical conductivity of seed leachate was lowest in KNO3 treated seeds (0.484
dS/m) followed by kinetin (0.527 dS/m) and highest electrical conductivity was observed in
cow urine treatment (0.845 dS/m).
The KNO3 recorded higher germination percentage, shoot length, root length,
seedling vigour index and field emergence in the nursery due to the influence of KNO3 directly
to respiratory system of plant species (Adkins et al., 1984) and also it stimulate oxygen
uptake (Hilton and Thomas, 1986) or serves as a cofactor of phytochrome, a light sensitive
protein pigment (Hilhorst, 1990). Also KNO3 serves as an alternative to source for light.
The next best treatment was GA3, which recorded higher values in seed quality
parameters may be due to its stimulation effect in the formation of enzymes which are
important in the early phases of germination which helps for a fast radical protrusion. Hence,
the elongation of hypocotyle was seen. However, the GA3 did not sustain the same position
upto the end of storage period, but it was performed only upto the first three months of
storage period. A similar results were reported by Anil et al. (1998), stating pre-treatment of
cowpea with GA3 stimulated the rate of germination provided they were not stored for longer
period.
Cow urine recorded high seed quality parameters upto the sixth month of storage.
Initially, cow urine may act as growth regulator and in later stages, inactivation of enzymes or
hormones present in cow urine led to decrease in seed quality parameters from seventh
month onwards.
As the storage period advanced, per cent of seed infection was also increased.
Seeds treated with cow urine recorded very low amount of infection in all the months of
storage.
In the first month of storage, there was no infection in storage while control showed (5
– 20%) of infection. Cow urine recorded traces amount of infection during fifth month of
storage, which was very lowest among all the treatments. And at the end of tenth month of
storage, cow urine treated seeds showed (0-5%) lowest infection among all the treatments.
The control recorded very high (20-40%) infection.
Cow urine contains uric acid which is having lower pH and it creates an adverse
condition for the attack of pathogens like fungi, bacteria etc. This may be the cause for low
infection of pathogens to the cow urine treated seeds.
5.2.3 Interaction of seed source and seed treatment
These interactions of seed source and seed treatment showed significant difference
at all the months of storage period.
Among the two seed sources and seven seed treatments, germination (%), shoot
length, root length, seedling vigour index and emergence in nursery, fresh seeds treated with
KNO3 (S1T3) showed highest values (85.70%, 11.20 cm, 7.40 cm, 1595, 77.60%,
respectively), which was followed by fresh seeds treated with GA3 (S1T1) (81.20%, 10.90 cm,

7.07 cm, 1459, 74.30%, respectively). The lowest seed quality parameters were observed in
control of old seeds (S2T7) (47.80%, 5.30 cm, 4.10 cm, 449, 37.10%) at the end of first month
of storage.
In the fourth month of storage, S1T3 recorded highest seed quality parameters
(78.60%, 10.10 cm, 6.70 cm, 1321, 68.50%), followed by S 1T 2 (fresh seeds treated with
kinetin) treatment which recorded (71.60%, 9.70 cm, 6.10 cm, 1131, 64.60%). And lowest
was in S2T7 showed 41.00 per cent, 4.50 cm, 3.50 cm, 329, 30.20 per cent of seed quality
parameters.
During the seventh month of storage, S 1T 3 recorded highest of germination (68.10%),
shoot length (9.30 cm), root length (6.00 cm), seedling vigour index (1042), field emergence
(58.60%), followed by S1T2 (60.80%, 8.70 cm, 5.40 cm, 857.47, 54.40%, respectively). The
S2T5 (old seeds treated with cow urine) showed very less germination, shoot length, root
length, seedling vigour index and emergence in nursery (28.30%, 3.20 cm, 2.60 cm, 165,
21.40%, respectively) than control.
At the tenth month of storage highest seed quality parameters were seen in S1T3
(58.40%, 8.10 cm, 5.00 cm, 765, 47.10%, respectively), followed by S1T2 (50.30%, 7.70 cm,
4.60 cm, 619, 42.40%). And lowest was observed in S 2T 7 (25.10%, 2.90 cm, 2.30 cm, 53 and
21.60%, respectively).
Lowest electrical conductivity was found in S1T3 during first month of storage (0.205
dS/m) followed by S1T1 (0.208 dS/m) and highest EC was observed in S2T7 (0.465 dS/m). The
fourth month of storage recorded lowest electrical conductivity in S 1T 3 (0.256 dS/m), followed
by S1T2 (0.256 dS/m) and highest electrical was noticed in S2T7 (0.570 dS/m). During seventh
month of storage, S1T3 (0.302 dS/m) showed lowest electrical conductivity followed by S1T2
(0.336 dS/m) and highest electrical conductivity was observed in S2T5 (0.788 dS/m). At the
tenth month of storage, S 1T 3 recorded very lower electrical conductivity (0.379 dS/m) among
all treatments followed by S1T2 (0.432 dS/m), while highest electrical conductivity noticed in
S2T5 (1.046 dS/m).
Among all the treatments, S1T3 showed best performance because fresh seeds do
not have toxic metabolites which is due to lipid peroxidation. The denaturation of proteins and
enzymes have not occurred. Membrane integrity was present with KNO3 which was growth
promoting substance and also involved in sitmualtion of oxygen uptake and served as a
cofactor of phytochrome, a light sensitive protein pigment.
And S 1T 1 recorded higher germination, shoot length, root length, seedling vigour
index, emergence in nursery upto third month of storage.According to Salisbury and Ross
(1992), gibberellic acid is the growth regulator that truly acts on seed germination, showing a
favourable action on breaking of seed dormancy. Further more Bradfold et al. (2000)
proposed that endogenous GA 3 control the germination through two process : a decrease in
the mechanical resistance of the tissues surrounding the embryo and promotion of the growth
potential of the embryo.
But, GA3 decreased gradually from the fourth month upto the end of storage period,
because a decline in the endogenous level of gibberellins is the linking factor for the
maintenance of viability and/or germination of seeds (Sharma and Dhillon, 1998).
The interaction between seed source and pre-sowing treatments on seed health was
observed. In fresh seeds, in the first month of storage period, infection was zero. At the fifth
month of storage control recorded higher per cent of infection 5 – 20%. And traces amount of
infection was recorded in cow urine (0 – 5%) compared to other treatments. At the end of the
tenth month of storage, control recorded 20 – 40% infection comparatively higher among all
treatments. However, cow urine treated seeds showed very less amount of infection 0 – 5%.
In old seeds traces of infection was seen in the control. But, cow urine, treated seeds
showed zero per cent of infection. At the end of fifth month of storage control showed 0 – 20%
of infection and lowest amount of infection was seen in cow urine treated seeds 0 – 5%. At
the tenth month storage period control was highly infected 20 – 40% and lowest was recorded
in cow urine treated seeds (5 – 20%) among all treatments.

The enzymes and hormones present in cow urine which may act as growth regulator
in early months of storage, later they might have inactive may led to decrease in the
germination percentage, shoot length, root length, seedling vigour index, field emergence in
the nursery from the seventh month onwards of storage.
Similar trend was observed in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Periwinkle
(Catharanthus roseus) and Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) seeds.
5.3 Practical utility
• Based on the results practical application for seed testing procedures and storage
of Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Periwinkle and Kalmegh seeds are as follows
• Tulsi seeds can be germinated well at 20-30 0 C alternate temperature in light (24
hours)
• Higher germination percentage will be obtained at 25 0 C in light (24 hours) in
Ashwagandha seeds
• The best condition for obtaining more germination in Periwinkle seeds is at 25 0 C in
dark treated with KNO 3 (0.2%).
• Maximum germination can be obtained at 20 0 C in light (24 hours) in Kalmegh
seeds
• The seeds treated with KNO 3 (250 ppm) is advantageous for storing upto ten
months in Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Periwinkle and Kalmegh seeds.
The recommended ideal media, temperature, light and its duration, days to first and
final count are tabulated and presented in Table 33. This information will have practical utility
in testing the seeds of medicinal plant species for quality evaluation.
5.4 Future line of work
• To study some more combinations of media and temperature regimes for further
improvement of germination study.
• Relationship between germination inhibitors and dormancy may be studied.
Various other dormancy breaking methods can be tried to exploit the maximum
germination potential of these crops.
• Various biochemical tests can be looked into to predict the vigour levels of the
seeds.
• Seeds can be graded based on their specific gravity to enhance their performance.
• Storage period can be prolonged to determine the dissipation period in
solanaceous species.

Table 33: Seed testing procedure for selected medicinal plant species
Sl.
No.
Name of the species Media Temperature ( 0 C) Light (hours)
1. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) TP method
2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) BP method
3. Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) BP method
4. Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) Tp method
20/30 0 C alternate
temperature
25 0 C constant
temperature
25 0 C constant
temperature
20 0 C constant
temperature
First count
(days)
Final count
(days)
24 hours 3 9
24 hours 5 9
Absence 7 14
24 hours 7 13

6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Studies on four medicinal plant species viz., Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Withania
somnifera (Ashwagandha), Catharanthus roseus (Periwinkle) and Andrographis paniculata
(Kalmegh) were conducted in the laboratory of Seed Science and Technology, University of
Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad between August 2007 and May 2008 with an objective to
standardize the seed testing procedures and to study the storability of these plant species.
The experiments comprised of three medias with three constant temperature and an alternate
temperature and using light and KNO3 as the treatments for seed testing procedures. And two
seed sources and seven pre-sowing treatments for storage. The results of the present
investigation are summarized below.
Experiment - I : Standardization of the suitable media,
temperature, light requirement and duration on
germination in Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Periwinkle
and Kalmegh seeds
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Top of paper method was found to be better and it has registered highest germination
(84.80%) at an alternate temperature of 20/30 0 C in presence of light for 24 hours. The higher
rate of speed of germination was recorded (0.400). The first count was taken on third and final
count was on ninth day. Shoot length (4.40 cm), root length (2.20 cm) and seedling dry weight
(4.96 mg/10 seedlings). But, the lowest values of these were recorded in the treatment of dark
without KNO3 at 15 0 C in sand media.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
The better performance was observed in 25 0 C in between paper method in the
presence of light of 24 hours. The germination percentage (84.90), and the speed of
germination (0.320), root length (6.30 cm), shoot length (12.10 cm), seedling vigour index
(1563) and seedling dry weight (17.80 mg) were recorded. The number of days fixed for first
count and second count (5 th and 9 th day, respectively). But, lower values of these were found
in sand medium at 15 0 C in dark without KNO3.
Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
The good seed and seedling quality parameters were recorded in dark with KNO3 in
between paper method at the temperature of 25 0 C, which recorded highest germination
percentage (90.70) and faster rate of germination (0.361). Highest root length (6.70 cm),
shoot length (9.10 cm), seedling vigour index (1442), seedling dry weight (15.10 mg) were
also recorded. However, first count was fixed at seventh day and final was at 14 th day.
The lower values of these parameters were found at 15 0 C in presence of light for 24
hours in top of paper method.
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
The best results were obtained in the top of paper method in presence of light for 24
hours at 20 0 C. The germination percentage (78.80), root length (8.20 cm), shoot length (18.90
cm), seedling vigour index (2134), seedling dry weight (15.80 mg) and rate of germination
was faster (0.359). The first and final counts were fixed at seventh and thirteenth day,
respectively.
The lower values of these parameters were found at alternate temperature of 20/30 0 C
in dark without KNO3 in sand media.

Experiment-II : Effect of seed treatment on enhancing germination
in Tulsi, Ashwagandha, Periwinkle and Kalmegh
seeds during storage
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Seed germination and other quality attributes of Tulsi declined significantly over
storage. The reduction in germination was to the extent of 34.00 per cent at the end of ten
months of storage. However, the seeds treated with KNO3 maintained better quality among all
the treatments. And GA3 treated seeds maintained higher quality upto three months and
gradually decreased thereafter. The control recorded lower seed quality parameters upto six
months of storage and seventh month onwards cow urine showed very lowest values of seed
quality parameters.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
The germination and other seed quality parameters were decreased in the ten
months of storage. The germination decreased to the extent of 22.00 per cent and KNO3
treated seeds maintained best throughout the period of storage. GA3 and cow urine treated
seeds recorded reduction in their seed quality from fourth month onwards. The control seeds
showed better results than cow urine treated seeds from seventh month onwards for all the
seed quality parameters.
Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)
The extent of decline in germination was upto 36.00 per cent. Other seed quality
parameters were also decreased as the storage period advanced. The KNO3 treated seeds
were the highest in all the observations and control was the lowest upto sixth month of
storage among all the treatments. The cow urine recorded lower values from seventh month
onwards and upto the end of storage compared to other treatments.
Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata)
There was a gradual decrease in germination and other seed quality parameters. The
extent of decrease in the germination was 37.00 per cent in the storage period. KNO 3 treated
seeds recorded the highest values in all the parameters compared to all other treatments. The
lowest values were observed in control at the initial months of storage. At the later months,
cow urine treated seeds recorded lowest values for all the seed quality parameters.

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APPENDIX
Appendix I: Initial seed quality parameters of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Periwinkle (Catharathus roseus) and Kalmegh
(Andrographis paniculata) for old seeds
Sl. No. Seed quality parameters Tulsi Ashwagandha Periwinkle Kalmegh
1. 1000-seed weight (g) 1.75 3.47 3.15 2.86
2. Germination (%) 49.10 38.40 41.70 33.25
3. Shoot length (cm) 5.49 4.10 6.27 4.67
4. Root length (cm) 4.27 3.90 3.81 3.39
5. Seedling vigour index 452 280 409 256
6. Electrical conductivity (dS/m) 0.47 0.66 0.68 0.79
7. Field emergence 38.80 31.70 33.10 26.20
8. Seed health
a) P1 - - - -
b) P 2 - - - -
c) P3 - - - -
P1 – Aspergillus spp. P2 – Rhizophus spp. P3 – Penicillium spp.
- : Absent of pathogen

Appendix II: Initial seed quality parameters of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Periwinkl (Catharathus roseus) and Kalmegh
(Andrographis paniculata) for fresh seeds
Sl. No. Seed quality parameters Tulsi Ashwagandha Periwinkle Kalmegh
1. 1000-seed weight (g) 1.97 3.66 3.24 3.03
2. Germination (%) 55.60 51.20 53.10 44.30
3. Shoot length (cm) 7.50 5.30 8.00 6.05
4. Root length (cm) 5.20 4.85 5.35 4.90
5. Seedling vigour index 671 492 593 462
6. Electrical conductivity (dS/m) 0.226 0.309 0.261 0.421
7. Field emergence 48.60 41.69 45.10 37.50
8. Seed health
a) P 1 - - - -
b) P2 - - - -
c) P3 - - - -
P1 – Aspergillus spp. P2 – Rhizophus spp. P3 – Penicillium spp.
- : Absent of pathogen

STANDARDIZATION OF SEED TESTING
PROCEDURES AND STORAGE STUDIES IN
SELECTED MEDICINAL CROPS
LALITH KUMAR BHARATH V. B. 2008 Dr. V. K. DESHPANDE
Major Advisor
ABSTRACT
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Periwinkle
(Catharanthus roseus) and Kalmegh (Andrograpis paniculata) were undertaken to
standardize seed germination test requirements and storage behaviour in Dharwad.
Experiment comprises of four temperature ranges (15 0 C, 20 0 C, 25 0 C, 20/30 0 C),
three medias (Between paper, Top paper and Sand) and three light treatments viz., light (24
hours), dark with and without KNO 3 (0.2%). In Tulsi, top of paper method with 20/30 0 C
alternate temperature and light (24 h) recorded the highest germination (84.80%). Between
paper method at 25 0 C constant temperature with 24 h light was found suitable for germination
test and recorded maximum germination (84.90%) in Ashwagandha. Periwinkle seeds
recorded highest germination (90.70%) in between paper method at 20 0 C in dark with KNO 3.
Top of paper at 15 0 C with 24 h light was found suitable for Kalmegh and recorded maximum
germination (78.80%). Days to first and final count were fixed on 6 th and 11 th in Tulsi, 6 th and
10 th in Ashwagandha, 7 th and 14 th in periwinkle and 8 th and 14 th day in Kalmegh, respectively.
During ten months of storage study, fresh seeds performed better over old seeds in
all four species. Seeds treated with KNO3 (250 ppm) recorded significantly higher germination
(81.50%), shoot (10.45 cm), root length (6.85 cm), vigour index (1225), nursery establishment
(66.53%) and lower EC upto the 10 th month of storage, while lower seed quality parameters
(51.15%, 6.25 cm, 4.55 cm, 557, 42.15%) and higher EC (0.342 dS/m) and seed infection
(20.40%) were recorded in untreated seeds other end of sixth months. Cow urine treated
seeds performed better than untreated seeds upto six months.