This book describes the effect of growth promoters on the seed
germination of W. somnifera varieties Poshita and Jawahar-20 under
various with different soaking time and temperature. Proper germination
of seeds requires optimum concentration of growth hormone. 150 ppm GA3
with 24 h of soaking time was most effective as compared to IAA and IBA
in case of jawahar-20. However, in 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 was highest after
5 and 10 days of incubation period respectively. NR activity also showed
a positive correlation with increasing age of 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 increasing age of plant. This study concluded that growth
regulators and appropriate temperatures play a synergistic role in
breaking the seed dormancy by influencing various metabolic activities
at this moment.