Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Periyar University, Salem – 636 011, Tamilnadu, India.
Vermicompost Leachate ,Trigonella foenum-graecum ,Seed Germination ,Seedling Growth ,

Vermitechnology has been gaining attention as an ecofriendly waste management approach in both industrial and agricultural sectors. Besides that, in the vermicomposting process, leachate that is derived contains high amount of macro and micro nutrients necessary for plant growth. The present work has been designed to study the influence of different concentrations of vermicompost leachate on germination and seedling growth in Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek). Vermicompost leachate has been used in different concentrations such as 10% (T1), 20% (T2), 40% (T3), 60% (T4), 80% (T5) and 100% (T6) to study their influence on seed germination and seedling growth at different duration like 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours while deionised water was used as a control (C). In comparison to control, all the concentrations of vermicompost leachate showed statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in seed germination after 12 hour duration showing earlier germination of seeds. At 12 hour duration, maximum number of seeds germinated in T2 followed by T6, T5, T1, T3, T4 and C. After 48 hours, fenugreek seedling length has been significantly (P<0.05) recorded maximum in T2 followed by T3, T4, T1, T5 and T6 while control (C) showed least length when compared to all vermicompost leachate treatments. The present investigation concludes that 20% Vermicompost Leachate concentration is effective in increasing the rate of germination and seedling growth that would result in increased plant growth. Enhanced rate of germination and seedling growth in vermicompost leachate treatments may be due to the presence of macronutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) and plant growth promoting substances.

5 , 8 , 2015