Abstract:
Gaja Madara (Cleistanthus collinus Roxb.) (Phyllanthaceae) is a specific plant species having
medicinal, insecticidal and elephant repellent properties. Pod coat of the species is very hard
and therefore, natural resurgence is very poor. Therefore, the present study was carried out
to find most suitable seed treatment method and seedling growing media for Cleistanthus
collinus. Five different water soaking periods for seeds from mature pods and fully dried
pods, different Gibberelic Acid (G A 3) concentrations, hot water in different temperatures
were used as different seed treatments in four sub experiments. Top soils with different ratios
of coir dust, compost, sand and cow dung were used to find out most suitable growing media
for seedlings. Treatments in all sub experiments were arranged in Completely Randomized
Design with five replicates and data were analyzed using ANOVA with Statistical Analysis
System. Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was employed for mean separation at a
significance level of P < 0.05. Results revealed that mature pods perform better way than the
fully dried pods in terms of early and highest germination. Seeds from mature pods soaked in
water for 24 hours period showed significantly higher germination (74%) compared to other
water soaking treatments, while seeds treated with 40®C water for 5 minutes had significantly
highest germination of 40% followed by 40°C water for 10 min. Out of six G A 3
concentrations and dipping times, the highest germination (68%) was observed in seeds from
mature pods treated with 500 ppm G A 3 for 14 hours. In addition, significantly higher number
of branches, leaves and plant height was recorded in Cleistanthus collinussztdimgs grown
incompost: sand: top soil (1:1:1) compared to other treatments. Overall, significantly higher
germination was found in 500 ppm G A 3 for 14 hrs closely followed by water soaking for 24
hours. Since there were no significant difference, water soaking for 24 hours seems to be cost
effective treatment to achieve higher seed germination and compost:sand:top soil (1:1:1)
could be used as most promizing growing media for Cleistanthus collinus.
