Comparative Study on Effects of Vrikshayurveda and Modern Techniques on Germination of Bakuchi ( Psoralea corylifolia L.) Seeds

Bakuchi ( Psoralea corylifolia L.) is one of the important endangered medicinal plants used in Ayurveda and other Traditional systems. Its cultivation and propagation is difficult because of hard seed coat and short seed viability, hence hampering germination. The study aims to compare seed treatments explained in Vrikshayurveda, an ancient science of plant life, with modern/conventional techniques. Bakuchi seeds were divided into 13 groups, each containing 100 seeds. They were subjected to different treatments and observed for 60 days. The experiment was conducted in replicates. Number of seeds germinated, germination percentage, emergence index and relative seed germination parameters were observed. The group, T8, treated with milk overnight and shade dried, kept in paste of brihati ( Solanum indicum ), tila ( Sesamum indicum ), kamala nala ( Nelumbo nucifera ) and ghee for 6 h showed better results in terms of number of seeds germinated (21.67 ± 4.19), germinability (21.67 ± 4.19), germination rate index (0.36 ± 0.07), emergence index (0.96 ± 0.12) and relative seed germination (148.69 ± 50.92), as compared to control (T1, treated with water) and standard groups (T2, T3 and T4, treated with sulphuric acid). Conclusively on the basis of germination parameters observed, group treated following the method mentioned in Vrikshayurveda can be considered beneficial alternative in terms of better and safe germination.