Abstract:
Background: The germination response pattern of seeds is also regarded as a prime
feature in plant life history strategy. The common means of regeneration and
propagation of medicinal plants include seed-based, clonal and micropropagation
method. Seed-based multiplication is the most effective, realistic and convenient
means for most species. Destructive and non-sustainable collection methods coupled
with low regeneration and habitat destruction have posed serious threats to the
survival and availability of ASHOKA AND GAMBHARI. ASHOKA in traditional
medicine and in ayurveda is used to treat rakta pradara. Gambhari is a tridosh
shamaka and it is an important constituent of dashmoola and mainly of bruhat
panchmoola. The species is generally propagated by seeds but its germination rate
and viability is very low due to seed abortion which limits its natural propagation. the
seed set is poor and seed viability is low. Problems related with natural propagation
and indiscriminate exploitation for medicinal purpose have pushed ASHOKA AND
GAMBHARI to the list of endangered plant species of india. These various seed
priming processes have been carefully designed in Vrikshayurveda to allow early
germination, to obtain good quality of seedlings by following the classical techniques
explained. Hence the present study is intended to compare the effects of
Vrikshayurveda and Modern cultivation techniques on germination of ASHOKA
AND GAMBHARI.
Aims and Objectives:
1. To compare the effect of vrikshayurveda and modern techniques on
germinations of ASHOKA (Saraca asoca)
2. To compare the effect of vrikshayurveda and modern techniques on
germinations of Gambhari (Gmelina arborea) Seeds.
Methodology: Following are the Groups: Group 1 (Control group) was without any
seed treatment, Group 2 i.e. standard treatment was treated with 1% conc H2SO4 for
about 50 minutes, Group 3 procedure explained in Vrikshayurved was followed i.e.
sprinkled with Milk and dried for 5 days. It is then smoked with Mustard (Brassica
campestris) and Vidanga (Emblica ribes Burm), group 4 seeds were soaked in milk
Milk, rubbed with cow dung, dried and profusely smeared with Honey and Vidanga
(Emblica ribes Burm). Germinability, emerging index and relative seed germination
will be calculated. Results were calculated statistically considering ANNOVA test
and unpaired t-test.
Results: Overall results indicates that Group 4 treatment i.e. seeds were soaked in
milk Milk, rubbed with cow dung, dried and profusely smeared with Honey and
Vidanga (Emblica ribes Burm) showed maximum germination percentage compared
to all other groups. And it is statistically significant in comparison with group 3 and
group 4.
Conclusion: Maximum germination percentage was observed in group 4. Estimation
of ASHOKA AND GAMBHARI contents in the seeds from the plants grown by
various treated seeds reveled that, group 4 is qualitatively better than standard and has
the added advantage of safety over the standard (Acid treated) group. Present study
revalidates the germination behavior of dormant seeds of ASHOKA AND
GAMBHARI. However further studies need to be carried to standardize the treatment
procedures in terms of the proportion, duration of soaking or fumigation to get better
results. Other methods suggested in vrikshayurveda also need to be studied.