Effect of Medicinal Plant Extracts on Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Three Cucurbits

Abstract

Background and Objective: Medicinal plants are beneficial for human and animal health but they could have a significant role on the flora also. Some studies suggested that medicinal plants can play the role of growth promotors/inhibitors also. To find useful available medicinal plants for native agricultural use, the present study was conducted and investigated the effects of 10 medicinal plant extracts on seed germination and growth of three cucurbitaceous crops namely cucumber (Cucumis sativus), pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) and bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria). Materials and Methods: The 25 and 50% extracts of 10 medicinal plants, namely, Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis), False daisy (Eclipta alba), Drumstick (Moringa oleifera), Sisso (Dalbergia sissoo), Mimosa (Mimosa pudica), Mint (Mentha spicata), Devil’s cotton (Abroma augusta), Asthma plant (Euphorbia hirta), Ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis) and Royal poinciana (Delonix regia), were applied on the seeds. The effect of those medicinal plant extracts was compared for the germination percentage, the seedling root length, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight and vigor index. Results: All treatments showed significant effects on tested seeds but royal poinciana performed very well to increase the germination and growth as well. Conclusion: This is the first experiment where royal poinciana was tested on seed germination and growth, indicating a good prospect for it to be used as a germination and growth regulator in the future.