Effect of Cow-based Organic Inputs and Plant Growth Regulators on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Karonda under Protected Conditions

Abstract

The use of organic waste in proper concentration with scarification may regulate growth behaviour in many fruit crops and pre- sowing treatments of organic waste could lead to increase seed germination and enhancement of seedling growth. The present investigation was conducted to study the effect of pre-sowing seed treatments on germination and growth of karonda (Carissa carandas L.) under polyhouse conditions. Different treatments comprising GA₃, cow urine and cow dung were evaluated to determine their influence on germination and seedling development. The results revealed that seed treatments significantly affected all the parameters studied. Among the treatments, GA₃ @ 200 ppm for 20 hours (T9) proved to be the most effective. It recorded the earliest initiation of germination (7.89 days) and the highest germination percentage (78.00%). Although it took relatively more time to complete germination, it resulted in uniform and healthy seedlings. Growth parameters such as plant height (10.19 cm), shoot diameter (3.21 mm), number of leaves (21.39) and fresh and dry weight of leaves (1.24 g and 0.57 g, respectively) were also highest under T9 treatment, indicating superior seedling vigour. The control (untreated seeds) showed the poorest performance in all aspects, while organic treatments exhibited moderate improvement but remained inferior to GA₃ treatments. Thus, it can be concluded that pre-sowing treatment of karonda seeds with GA₃ @ 200 ppm for 20 hours is highly beneficial for enhancing germination, growth, and overall seedling quality, and is recommended for nursery raising under protected conditions.