Biostimulatory Effect of Shilajeet on Wheat (Triticum astivum) Seed Germination

Abstract

A presoaking treatment of Shilajeet at three different concentrations (10, 100 and 1000ppm) was given for 8 hours to surface sterilized (with 0.1 % HgCl₂) seeds of wheat (Lokman variety).There was an increase of 12% and 24% in seed germination at third day of treatment with 10ppm and 100pm shilajeet concentrations, respectively. Enhanced growth of root and shoots were recorded on 6^th day of germination. Enzymatic analysis of shilajeet treated germinated seeds revealed increase in activity of ?-amylase (EC, 3.2.1.1), Starch-phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.1) and Hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1), the indicator enzymes of seed germination. However, the 1000ppm treatment exhibited an inhibitory effect on percentage germination, seedling growth and on enzyme activities. Increased enzyme activities were also accompanied by the enhancement of water soluble protein in 10ppm and 100ppm shilajeet treated germinated seeds.

Keywords: Seed germination, Enzymes, Shilajeet, Triticum astivum