Studies on ecology, habitats diversification and seed germination behavior of Valeriana jatamansi Jones: A critical endangered plant

Valeriana jatamansi is high value threatened medicinal plant of Himalayan region. In present study, ecology, phenology and seed germination of this species domesticated at different altitudes, viz., 1290 m, 1550 m, 1800 m and 2000 m in district Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, were observed. Our study revealed that Valeriana jatamansi was a glabrous and more or less pubescent herb, nearly 15 – 45 cm tall herb. The surrounding major associated tree species are Bedulo (Ficus spp), Dhale Katus (Castonopsis indica), Dudhilo (Ficus nemoralis), Khanyu (Ficus cordata), and Laligurans (Rhododendron arboreum). Optimum survival of V. jatamansi across 1290 to 2000 m indicated their adaptability at a wider range of altitudinal zones. However, low seed germination percentage of jatamansi above 1800 m restricted their cultivation possibilities up to low altitudinal zones only. Further, flowering and fruiting periods in most of the species varied greatly amongst the domestication sites. On altitude wise, UBKV, Kalimpong was registered more percentage of germination throughout the experiment and was followed by Algirah, Lava Sherpa Gaon and Lava. Work at UBKV, Kalimpong revealed that highest seed germination was registered with the seed soaked with cow urine and showed parity with the pre chilled seed treatment, and significantly better than other treatments. Seed soaked with cow urine enhance 50.3 % more germination percentage over the normal seed sown. These preliminary results provide baseline information for selection of suitable cultivation sites, developing agro techniques and conservation and management strategy of V. jatamansi.