Method for inducing improved seed germination in Podophyllum hexandrum Royle (6449899)

Abstract

The present invention describes a method for inducing improved seed germination in a high altitude medicinal plant, Podophyllum hexandrum Royle through hot water treatment at 40.degree. C.-100.degree. C. for 30-120 seconds.


Inventors:

Kharkwal; Amit Chandra (Palampur, IN), Prakash; Om (Palampur, IN), Bhattacharya; Amita (Palampur, IN), Nagar; Pramod Kumar (Palampur, IN), Ahuja; Paramvir Singh (Palampur, IN)

Assignee:

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (New Delhi, IN)

Appl. No.:

09/800,672

Filed:

March 8, 2001


Claims




What is claimed is:

1. A method for inducing improved seed germination at high altitudes in an endangered medicinal plant, Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, said method comprising the steps of: (a) collecting mature pods of P. hexandrum Royle, (b) separating the seeds from the pulp, (c) disinfecting the seeds with 0.1% carbendazim and 1% streptomycin sulphate for 15 minutes, (d) treating the fresh seeds with hot water ranging from 40-100.degree. C. for varied time intervals ranging from 30-120 seconds, (e) sowing the hot water treated seeds in pots containing sand:soil:farm yard manure in the ratio 2:1:1 at a depth of 1/2 inch, (f) maintaining the sown seeds in the pots at a minimum of 30.degree. C. during day and at least 20.degree. C. during night and relative humidity of 60-70%, and (g) sprinkling water at least once after every two days.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method is repeatable for two successive years.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the seeds are separated from their pulp immediately after collection.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the seeds are sown in 8" pots containing the potting mix in poly-tunnel.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the growth conditions for seed germination and seedling establishment and true leaf emergence are under green-house.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the seeds after sowing are allowed to mature under green- or poly-house conditions in pots containing the potting mix in poly-tunnel.

7. A method for inducing improved seed germination at high altitudes in an endangered medicinal plant, Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, said method comprising the steps of: (a) collecting mature pods of P. hexandrum Royle, (b) separating the seeds from the pulp, (c) disinfecting the seeds with 0.1% carbendazim and 1% streptomycin sulphate for 15 minutes, (d) treating the fresh seeds with hot water ranging from 40-100.degree. C. for varied time intervals ranging from 30-120 seconds, (e) sowing the hot water treated seeds in container or beds containing a potting mix of sand, soil and farm yard manure at a depth of from 1/2 to 2 inches, (f) maintaining the sown seeds at a minimum of 30.degree. C. during day and at least 20.degree. C. during night and relative humidity of 60-70%, and (g) sprinkling water after every one to three days.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method is repeatable for two successive years.

9. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the seeds are separated from their pulp immediately after collection.

10. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the potting mix contains sand:soil:farm yard manure in the ratio 2:1:1.

11. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the hot water treated seeds are sown in the potting mix at a depth of 1/2 inch.

12. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the seeds are sown in 8" pots containing the potting mix in poly-tunnel.

13. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the growth conditions for seed germination and seedling establishment and true leaf emergence are under green-house.

14. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the seeds after sowing are allowed to mature under green- or poly-house conditions in pots containing the potting mix in poly-tunnel.

15. A method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the water is sprinkled at least once after every two days.