Seed germination studies in Baccharoides anthelmintica (L.) Moench: implications for commercial cultivation

Baccharoides anthelmintica (L.) Moench, commonly known as Aranya Jeeraka in Sanskrit, is a pharmaceutically important medicinal plant used in various traditional healthcare systems, including the Indian System of Medicine. As the majority of the raw material of this species comes from wild/ natural stands, promoting cultivation is a viable means for meeting its current and future requirements.

During the present investigation, three studies were conducted to standardize nursery techniques in this species. In the laboratory study with eleven pre-sowing seed treatments, significantly highest germination (58.00%) was obtained with GA₃ (500 ppm), when compared with untreated control (31.33%). This treatment also promoted seedling growth characteristics and seedling vigour index. In the second study, the effect of thirteen pre-sowing seed treatments was studied under a protected structure, in which significantly superior germination (46.33%) was observed in the GA₃ (500 ppm) treatment, when compared to 32.33% in the untreated control. In the third trial, use of vermicompost as a substrate was found to support seed germination, germination characteristics and seedling vigour.

Soaking of seeds in GA₃ (500 ppm) for 24 h could improve the seed germination and seedling growth under in vitro as well as ex vitro conditions. Use of vermicompost as substrate was found to be ideal for raising quality seedlings in this species. This study could help raise quality planting material to promote systematic cultivation of Aranya Jeeraka, thereby ensuring an undisturbed and sustainable supply of raw material to the relevant industries.