Impact of growth promoter on seed germination of Withania somnifera

We evaluate seed germination in W. somnifera (varieties Poshita and Jawahar-20) under various hormonal concentrations with different soaking time and temperature. Proper germination of seeds requires an optimum concentration of growth hormone. 150 ppm GA3 with 24 h of soaking time was most effective as compared to IAA and IBA in the case of Jawahar-20. However, in the case of Poshita 100 ppm, GA3 was found to be optimum with 24 h of soaking time at 220C for germination. Varieties Jawahar-20 and Poshita showed better plumule growth in 100 ppm and 150 ppm GA3, respectively. However, IBA was effective for radicle growth at 150 ppm. protease and alpha-amylase activity were highest after 5 and 10 days of incubation period respectively. NR activity also showed a positive correlation with the increasing age of the plant. It was found maximum in 90 days old plants as compared to 45 days old plants in both the varieties. The carotenoid and chlorophyll content also increased with the increasing age of the plant.