Effect of Pongamia pinnata Extract as a Priming Agent on the Growth and Development of Radish (Raphanus sativus)

Abstract

Pongamia pinnata extract is the natural plant growth stimulant that is well known for its ability to improve the plant growth and development. This study investigated the effect of Pongamia pinnata leaf extract as a seed priming agent and foliar spray on the growth and development of radish (Raphanus sativus 'Pusa Chetki'). The extract was applied at one week’s interval with different frequencies. A Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four treatments (Control, Seed Treatment, Spray Treatment, and Combined Seed Treatment + Spray) and three replications was conducted at the research farm of Amity Institute of Organic Agriculture, Amity University Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, during the winter season of 2024-2025. Data on germination percentage, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, number of flowers, number of branches, number of pods, number of seeds per plant, number of seeds per siliqua, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight were collected at different days after sowing (DAS). Results indicated that Pongamia pinnata extract significantly improved seed germination in a separate test. Furthermore, treatments involving Pongamia pinnata extract, particularly the combined seed and spray application (T4), consistently showed enhanced vegetative growth, reproductive development, and biomass accumulation compared to the untreated control (T1) and other treatments (T2 and T3). Therefore, applying pongamia pinnata extract hold a holds potential as a natural biostimulant for improving radish growth and potentially yield under the tested conditions. Further research is recommended to optimize application methods and extract concentrations, evaluate effects under diverse environmental conditions, and investigate the underlying physiological and biochemical mechanisms.