Seed potentition and enhancement of plant potential of a mungbean species using plant extract

Pretreatment of mungbean (Vigna radiata) seeds with leaf extract of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) for 4 hours before accelerated ageing treatment (99.5% RH and 32±2oC) for different durations for 30 days slowed down the ageing-induced rapid loss of seed germination. Plant performance was found to be much better developed from seeds which underwent plant extract pretreatment measured in terms of few reliable indices. Plant potential was also higher in the pretreatment as evidenced from the treatment-induced higher chlorophyll level as well as activity of catalase enzyme. Results, therefore, pointed out that the plant extract-pretreated seeds retained higher seed vigour and produced healthier plants inspite of experiencing accelerated ageing treatment.