Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Seed germination treatments for recalcitrant seeds of Mucuna bracteata DC. Ex Kurz
*Article not assigned to an issue yet
Kumari Anita, Kumar Nitesh, Sharma Arti, Devi Ruchika, Sharma Priyanka, Punyal Sweta, Thakur Ankita, Sharma Sangeeta
Research Articles | Published: 11 March, 2026
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Keywords: α-amylase, GA3n , L-Dopa, n M. bracteatan , Medicinal value
Abstract
Mucuna bracteata DC. ex Kurz possesses immense medicinal value. Leaves, seeds, roots and whole plant is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolics that have antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Owing to the presence of L-Dopa, it is extensively used in ayurvedic formulations to treat Parkinson’s disease. Being a mycorrhizal species, it is also used as a cover crop for palm oil and rubber plantations. The demand of this plant for pharmaceutical purposes could be met through large-scale cultivation. Understanding seed physiological aspects would be significant in developing some cost-effective methods for optimizing seed germination performance and in turn cultivation. Influence of eco-physiological factors on various seed germination characteristics and α-amylase activity of seeds of M. bracteata from the Anni Khad Watershed area from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) were studied for 25 days. Various treatments (SNP, GA3, KNO3, proline, and acid scarification) were applied individually and in combination with acid scarification. Seed germination was enhanced to varying degrees by all the treatments applied. Among all the treatments (individual and combined), proline (1 mM) effectively enhanced seed germination up to 83% compared to 33% in control on 22 day of incubation. Enhanced germination due to different treatments was accompanied by the increase in α-amylase activity. These findings highlight practical and cost-effective approaches to improve germination and break seed dormancy, contributing to the conservation and commercial cultivation of M. bracteata.
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Author Information
Department of Botany, GB Pant Memorial Govt. College, Rampur Bushahr, India