Use of Sodium Hypochlorite to Enhance Seedling Emergence, Vigor, and Survival ofAngelica glaucaandAconitum heterophyllum

Angelica glauca Edgew. and Aconitum heterophyllum Wall., high value, endangered medicinal plants of the Himalayan region, have low germination rates and slow seedling growth. The present study examined the effect of a common seed surface disinfectant, sodium hypochlorite (NaHClO3), on seedling emergence, vigor, and survival of the above species. Seeds of A. glauca soaked (treated) in NaHClO3 for 30 min and seeds of A. heterophyllum soaked in NaHClO3 for 15 min had resulted in increased and more uniform emergence, better survival, and more vigorous seedlings than control seedlings not treated with the NaHClO3. In A. heterophyllum, soaking periods exceeding 15 min inhibited seedling growth. A seedling size index that considered plant height, collar diameter, and root length was used to determine the most effective treatment for increasing seedling size in the selected species. The NaHClO3 treatment, which is inexpensive, easily available, and a simple procedure, should be highly useful, especially for poor and unskilled farmers, in developing large scale planting material for exsitu cultivation and thus conservation of these species.