ABSTRACT

Achyranthes coynei Santapau (Family Amaranthaceae) is a perennial shrub reported to be a rare medicinal and endemic plant species from India. Locally, it is known as "Kempu Uttarani". Different parts of the plant were used to treat variety of disorders by traditional practitioners. This study aimed to explore variations in the floral biology of Achyranthes coynei and to evaluate seed germination under different pre-sowing treatments and also to develop incense dhoop from the plant leaves. The floral biology study was conducted in four sites of two locations, Dharwad and Belagavi. Five individual plants were randomly selected to study floral evaluation and collected seeds from these locations were subjected to ten different pre-sowing treatments to assess germination and growth attributes. Ten formulations were considered for preparation of herbal mosquito incense dhoop and its evaluation. The study found Belagavi location had longer spikes, more opened flowers and slightly larger flower diameters while, Dharwad exhibited higher pollen viability. Both the locations showed uniformity in flower colour, tepal numbers, stamen numbers, pollen shape and seed shapes. Seeds treated with 25 ppm GA3 and 1 per cent KNO3 showed higher per cent germination, peak value and germination value. Among the ten formulations, dhoop prepared from F4 (Charcoal, Jigat, Camphor, Sambrani and 5% Achyranthes coynei leaf powder) was the most effective with the longest burning time and low ash content. All the formulations showed mosquito repellent activity. Floral biology study helpful in further genetic assessment of Achyranthes coynei. Germination study forms a basis for conservation activities related to endemic and rare Achyranthes coynei. Value addition of leaves will help to increase use of this species which can grow in waste lands.