Effect of pre-germination treatments and storage conditions on germination of Embelia ribes Burm f. (bidanga) with special reference to Vrikshayurveda

Abstract

Effect of pre-germination treatments on freshly harvested seeds and on stored seeds of Embelia ribes Burm. f., were investigated in this study integrating with Vrikshayurveda methods. Germination tests were done immediately after the pre-treatments for the freshly harvested seeds after decoating and for the seeds stored in low temperature (40C) kept in earthen pot along with the seeds stored in ambient condition after three months of storage. All Seeds including control were subjected to four pre-germination treatments to enhance the germination percentage and maintain its viability. Pre-germination treatments showed significant differences in germination percentage. The highest germination percentage was observed in the seeds soaked in cow dung slurry for the fries (83.33%) and stored (43.33%) compared to control (38.33% and 16.5% respectively). Seeds of E. ribes being recalcitrant in nature poses storage problems. From this study it can be concluded that viability of E. ribes can be maintained after three months of storage in earthen pots and in low temperature. The versus about E. ribes as an important plant recommended in Surapalas Vrikshayurveda for ailing plants, propagation of plants and treatment of seeds was described in this paper.