Evidence of plant hormone like substances in vermiwash: An ecologically safe option of synthetic chemicals for sustainable farming

This study compiles the impact of vermiwash on seed germination, seedling growth and biochemistry of Cyamopsis tertagonoloba and Trigonella foenum-graecum under lab conditions. A total of four experimental solutions, i.e. 100% vermiwash, 50% vermiwash, 5% urea solution and distilled water, were used in this study. The maximum germination was in 50% vermiwash, while plant growth parameters (root length, shoot length, shoot/root ratio and leaves/plant) showed the optimum results in 100% vermiwash trial. The highest level of chlorophyll in fresh leaves was in 100% vermiwash treatment. The seedlings with 100% vermiwash foliar spray showed the maximum level of total protein, total soluble sugars and starch (p < 0.05) in their tissues. Thus, results clearly suggested that vermiwash may be an ecologically safe and cost-effective alternative of synthetic plant growth promoters for sustainable farming practices.