Effect of different seed treatment on germination, growth and yield attributes of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) in Bemetara district of Chhattisgarh

Introduction

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), belongs to the family Apiaceae with chromosomes number 2n=22. commonly known as Cilantro or Dhania, is an annual herb. The plant is a native to Mediterranean and near Eastern region. The plant is valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its medicinal properties, which include antioxidant, antimicrobial and digestive benefits (Mandal & Mandal, 2015) [8] . India is one of the largest producers of coriander, with major cultivation in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Favourable agro climatic conditions and increasing demand for coriander in domestic and international markets have made its cultivation economically significant (Anonymous, 2024) [1] . The productivity of coriander depends on various agronomic factors, including seed quality, nutrient management and pest and disease control. Among these factors, seed treatment plays a crucial role in improving germination, early seedling vigour, and foliage yield (Chudamani et al., 2023) [2] . India is world's largest producer of coriander although; the major quantity is consumed within the country (John, 1994) [6] . In India coriander is cultivated under an area of 629 thousand hectares with an annual production of 822 thousand MT (NHB, 2020) [10] . Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, U.P. are the major coriander producing states. Chhattisgarh produced 60425 MT coriander covering an area of 15169 hectares. (Directorate of Horticulture, 2024) [4] . Bemetara produced 73420 Q Coriander covering an area 1274 hectares. (Anonymous, 2024) [1] . Seed treatment is a crucial agronomic practice that enhances germination, seedling vigour and overall crop productivity. Various organic and inorganic substances are used to improve seed quality and plant growth. Organic treatments, such as microbial inoculants (Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens), improve plant resistance against pathogens while promoting growth (Chudamani et al., 2023) [2] . Overall, the seed treatment of coriander with Pseudomonas fluorescens leads to improved germination, healthier seedlings, disease resistance, and ultimately higher yield and better crop quality (Mishra et al., 2025) [9] .

Results and Discussion

Germination attributes

Coriander germination behaviour was significantly impacted by seed treatments. The control (T₀) had the maximum number of days (12.52), while T₇ (GA₃ 50 ppm + Pseudomonas fluorescens) had the earliest emergence (6.89 days), followed by T₆ (7.12 days) and T₅ (7.34 days). GA₃ may have improved early seedling vigour by promoting cell elongation, mobilizing stored food material, and stimulating hydrolytic enzymes, all of which contributed to the enhanced germination. These results closely match those of Chudamani et al. (2023) [2] , who also found that GA₃ seed soaking enhanced coriander germination.

Growth Parameters

Treatments had a significant impact on plant height and branching pattern. At 60 DAS, T₇ produced the tallest plants (63.60 cm), followed by T₆ (62.54 cm) and T₅ (61.78 cm). In contrast, control produced the shortest plants (43.78 cm). Likewise, T₇ (8.08) had the most branches per plant, followed by T₆ (7.66) and T₅ (7.35), suggesting that GA₃ and P. fluorescens worked in concert to promote vegetative growth. The combined effects of gibberellic acid, which promotes cell division and elongation, and Pseudomonas fluorescens, which produces substances that promote plant growth and suppresses soil-borne pathogens, may be responsible for the increased plant height and branching. Mishra et al. (2025) [9] reported similar findings, emphasizing the beneficial role of microbial inoculants with growth regulators in coriander (Table 1).

Fresh Weight and Foliage Yield

Fresh weight per plant and fresh foliage yield (Table 2) showed a significant increase from the seed treatments. At 30 days after sowing (DAS), the highest fresh weight per plant was recorded in T₇ at 2.55 g. T₆ followed with 2.42 g, and T₅ had 2.32 g. The control group had the lowest weight at 1.27 g. At 60 DAS, the maximum fresh foliage yield was observed in T₇ at 15.10 g per 100 g sample, which was significantly higher than the other treatments. The lowest yield was in T₀ at 12.54 g. The increase in yield may be due to better germination, stronger growth, and more efficient nutrient uptake from Pseudomonas fluorescens. These results support the findings of Mandal & Mandal (2015) [8] , who noted that GA₃ and beneficial microbes improve biomass accumulation and yield in coriander.

Economics Parameters

Economic analysis showed (Table 2) clear differences among treatments. The highest benefit-to-cost ratio, 3.89, was found in T₇, followed by T₆ at 3.86 and T₅ at 3.71. The lowest ratio, 2.55, was seen in the control group, T₀. The greater profitability in T₇ came from a larger foliage yield and better-quality produce, which made it the most profitable treatment.

References

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