Effect of storage temperature and period on seed germination of Rheum australe D Don: an endangered medicinal herb of high altitude Himalaya

Rheum australe D Don is a high altitude endangered medicinal perennial herb with thick and long roots that grows on rocky lands and near streams. The experiment on the species was conducted to study its seed germination and storage behaviour at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP. Effect of different storage conditions (room temperature and 0 to -5ºC) and different storage periods over 12 months on seed germination in R australe collected from natural ecological zone in Himachal Pradesh was determined. Statistical analysis revealed significant effect of storage temperature and storage period on seed germination, initiation of germination and completion of germination. Comparatively high seed germination, minimum time taken for germination and minimum germination period were recorded in seeds stored at 0 to -5ºC. Results also showed that seed stored at room temperature exhibit lesser viability after 12 months storage as compared to storage under refrigerated conditions.