Rapid bioassay for the study of growth promoting activity of Morinda pubescens leaf extract

ObjectiveTo study the influence of aqueous extracts of Morinda pubescens Smith. (M. pubescens) on the germination (%) and seedling growth (fresh and dry weight) of wheat and fenugreek.MethodsThe various concentrations (0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 1%, 1.25% and 2.5%) of these AE were prepared and used for the germination trials. Distilled water was used as control.ResultsAqueous extracts at the concentration of 0.15% and 0.25% shows significant stimulatory effect on seed germination and seedling growth of wheat and fenugreek which also found significant in the significant enhancement in root and shoot legth, vigour index and mobilization efficiency of wheat as compared to control, while fenugreek seeds exhibits stimulatory response at these concentrations. It was also noticed that seed germination and seedling growth is sensitive to higher concentrations of leaf extract showing its inhibitory allelopathic effect.ConclusionThese findings indicate that aqueous leaf extract of M. pubescens possess biotonic potential.