Acid Scarification

Convolvulus microphyllus (Shankhapushpi) is an important medicinal plant of the Indian Thar Desert. In the present study one year storage effect of seeds on germination behaviour, seedling growth, root: shoot ratio (R/S ratio), germination value (GV) and vigour index (VI) in comparison with fresh ones have been reported. Seeds were scarified with con. H2SO4 for different durations (10-90 min). Seeds were also mechanically treated with sand paper to enhance germination and kept for germination under controlled laboratory conditions. Results revealed that 100% seed germination and the maximum values for root & shoot lengths, R/S ratio, mean daily germination (MDG), germination value (GV) in fresh and one year old seeds and vigour index (VI) of fresh seeds were observed in acid scarification for 45 min duration. Maximum peak value of germination (PV) in fresh and one year old seeds and vigour index (VI) of old seeds were noted with 30 min of acid scarification duration.