Improving germination and seedling vigour in Gentiana kurroo an endangered promising herb of medicinal importance

Abstract

Germination and viability studies were conducted in two population of Gentiana kurroo, an important endangered medicinal herb of Western Himalayas. A considerable loss of viability (10-90%) was registered by seeds of both locations after storage from 3-18 months. This was accompanied by a parallel decline in germination percentage. Seeds collected from higher altitude (2000 m amsl) exhibited higher germination percentage and viability accompanied with early radicle emergence as compared to the collections from the lower altitude (1250 m amsl). Germination percentage, germination speed and other germination attributes were better in presence of light than in dark. Radicle emergence and germination speed were maximum at 25oC when compared at 20, 25 and 28oC. However, healthier seedlings were obtained at 25oC. Presowing chilling at –5, 2 and 5oC for 30 and 60 days improved germination and germination characteristics of seeds which were stored for 1 year and lost about 50 per cent viability and germinability. Presowing chilling at 2oC produced a greater proportion of strong seedlings.