Seed germination studies in endemic, medicinal plant-Achyranthes coynei Santapau

Abstract

Achyranthes coynei (family Amaranthaceae) is a perennial shrub reported to be a rare medicinal and endemic plant species from India. Locally it is known as “Kempu Uttarani”. Different parts of the plant were used to treat variety of disorders by traditional practitioners. The species is reported to contains triterpenoids which are known for anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the seed germination under different pre sowing treatments. Total ten pre sowing treatments were used to check the effect on Achyranthes coynei seed germination collected from Belagavi and Dharwad districts. The germination parameters were noted along with growth attributes. The seeds of the species show germination of 79.33 per cent in control. The maximum germination percentage (91.00%) and mean daily germination (7.58) were recorded in the seeds treated with 25 ppm gibberellic acid (GA3). The maximum peak value (14.67) and germination value (106.09) were recorded in the seeds treated with 1 percent Potassium nitrate (KNO3). Hot water treatment at 100°C for 2 minutes resulted in no germination in Achyranthes Coynei. The study suggests that treatments with GA3 (25 ppm) and 1 per cent KNO3 are the most effective in improving germination percentage and seedling vigor. Conversely, hot water at 100°C, are detrimental to seed viability. Chilled water treatment and higher concentrations of KNO3 and GA3 show less pronounced benefits, highlighting the importance of optimizing treatment conditions for the best germination outcomes.