Improvement in Germination through Seed Pre-treatment in Ghingaru (Pyracantha crenulata (D. DON) M. ROEMER): An Important Wild Edible Ethno-medicinal Plant

Ghingaru (Pyracantha crenulata (D. DON) M. ROEMER) is an important thorny Himalayan wild edible shrub. Fruits of the plant are rich source of anti-oxidants and used in preparation of cardio-tonic. However, scant scientific information is available on it mass propagation through seeds. The present study reports effect of chemical seed pre-treatments with sodium chloride, potassium nitrate, thio-urea along with hydro-priming on seed germination in ghingaru. Results revealed significant (P < 0.05) improvement in germination of the stored ghingaru seeds through pre-treatment with potassium nitrate (300 or 400 mM) than the control and other treatments. The findings may be useful in mass propagation of the important plant as a source of nutrient rich food, medicines and other uses.