Research Article | Published: 01 March 1997

Effect of pre-treatments on germination of Asparagus racemosus seeds

K. C. Chacko and P. K. Chandrasekhara Pillai

Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products | Volume: 4 | Issue: 1/2 | Page No. 23-25 | 1997
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-1997-E5NPDM | Cite this article

Abstract

Seeds of Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Shatavari), both freshly extracted (39% moisture content by fresh weight) and stored for one week (20% moisture content), were subjected to eleven pre-sowing treatments: in tap water for 4 hours, in boiled water for 3 hours, in giberellic acid solution (100 ppm) for 4 hours, and sulphuric acid scarification for 2 minutes. Seeds whose black seed coats were partially damaged by insects were also included as a treatment. The effect of treatments on germination was studied up to 90 days. Almost all (98.8%) the untreated fresh seeds germinated within 90 days. None of the pre-treatments improved cumulative germination. On the other hand, soaking in boiled water was detrimental to seed viability. In another trial, seeds extracted from berries just before colour break (green) gave high (97%) germination in 91 days whereas those extracted from fruits after colour break (crimson) recorded low germination (63%).

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References

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How to cite

Chacko, K.C. and Pillai, P.C., 1997. Effect of pre-treatments on germination of Asparagus racemosus seeds. Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products, 4(1/2), pp.23-25. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps2000-1997-E5NPDM

Publication History

Manuscript Published on 01 March 1997

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