Effect of stand geometry and plant growth regulators on root yield and alkaloid content of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal.)

The present experiment has been carried out in the Department of Horticulture, Janta College, Bakewar, Etawah (UP) during two crop seasons of 2005-06 and 2006-07 in split plot design, using cultivars viz., cv. Poshita and cv. JA - 20 as main plot. Two planting distance 30 x 30 cm2 and 30 x 20 cm2 were used as sub plot. These plants were raised in nursery bed and transplanted after 30 days of sowing. After 30, 60 and 90 days of transplanting the plants were sprayed with IAA 100 ppm, IAA 200 ppm, GA 50 ppm, GA 100 ppm, CCC 2000 ppm and CCC 3000 ppm solutions, whereas in control they were sprayed with distilled water (sub sub-plot). Observations were suggested the best combination of plant growth regulators and stand geometry for higher yield and alkaloid content was CCC 3000 ppm with 30x20cm2 for cultivar JA – 20 and Poshita. Whereas Cv. Poshita appeared to be most suitable cultivar of ashwagandha for cultivation as compare to JA – 20.