Six phenotypic characters and three withanolide markers were assessed in 25 accessions of Withania somnifera collected from different states of India for studying genetic variability. The variability ranges observed at phenotypic and chemotypic levels were polymorphic. Based on D2 values and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) of phenotypic traits like plant height, no. of branches/plant, no. of seeds/berry, root length, root diameter and root yield, these 25 accessions were grouped in five clusters. The relative contribution of each character towards genetic divergence was worked out. Five accessions–AGB002 (Rajasthan), AGB003 (J&K), AGB004 (Madhya Pradesh), AGB006 (J&K) and AGB009 (Punjab) representing clusters 2 and 4 exhibited maximum intra and inter-cluster divergence. Cluster 5 representing accession AGB053 (Andhra Pradesh) was having mixed traits. Chemically most of the accessions in cluster 3 showed uniformity in presence of three marker withanolides Withaferin A, Withanone and Withanolide A in the leaves.

Morphological and chemical variation in 25 collections of the Indian medicinal plant, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae)

http://staff.cimap.res.in/PublicationFiles/Biological_Control__65_225.pdf

Rhizospheric biological weapons for growth enhancement and Meloidogyne incognita management in Withania somnifera cv. Poshita

Plant population density is an important variable in agronomy and forestry and offers an experimental way to better understand plant-plant competition. We made a meta-analysis of responses of even-aged mono-specific stands to population density by quantifying for 3 stand and 33 individual plant variables in 334 experiments how much both plant biomass and phenotypic traits change with a doubling in density. Increasing density increases standing crop per area, but decreases the mean size of its individuals, mostly through reduced tillering and branching. Among the phenotypic traits, stem diameter is negatively affected, but plant height remains remarkably similar, partly due to an increased stem length-to-mass ratio and partly by increased allocation to stems. The reduction in biomass is caused by a lower photosynthetic rate, mainly due to shading of part of the foliage. Total seed mass per plant is also strongly reduced, marginally by lower mass per seed, but mainly because of lower seed numbers. Plants generally have fewer shoot-born roots, but their overall rooting depth seems hardly affected. The phenotypic plasticity responses to high densities correlate strongly with those to low light, and less with those to low nutrients, suggesting that at high density, shading affects plants more than nutrient depletion.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/pce.13968

Dividing the pie: A quantitative review on plant density responses.

Effects of temperature, pre-chilling and light on seed germination of Withania somnifera; a high value medicinal plant

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a well known and important medicinal plant widely used in several indigenous systems of medicine for the treatment of various ailments, viz. asthma, bronchitis, inflammatory diseases, ulcer and stomach problems. Steroidal lactones have been reported as the major phytoconstituents of this species. Different pharmacological experiments in a number of in vitro and in vivo models have convincingly demonstrated the ability of W. somnifera to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, antimicrobial, anti-anxiety, aphrodisiac, immunomodulation, anti-diabettic, anti-ulcer, anticancer, central nervous system depressant and hepatoprotective activities, lending support to the rationale behind several of its traditional uses. The species is also used to treat some neurological disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The molecules such as withaferinA, withanolide A and withanolide D isolated from this plant are potential bioactive molecules. Due to the remarkable biological activity of W. somnifera and its constituents, it will be appropriate to develop them as a medicine and make them more potent by chemical modifications and biotransformation. This review has covered botany, chemistry and pharmacology of the plant besides its traditional and folkloric uses.

Botanical, Chemical and Pharmacological Review of Withania somnifera (Indian Ginseng): an Ayurvedic Medicinal Plant

SummaryAshwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal; Solanaceae) is being cultivated around the world mainly for its root which has rejuvenative properties. Field experiments during 1999–2001 under semi-arid tropical conditions of Hyderabad, India studied the effect of tillage depths (15 and 30 cm) and plant population densities (20, 40, 60 and 80 plants m–2) on root morphology, yield and quality and cultivation economics of ashwagandha. Preparatory tillage to 30 cm depth in combination with a density of 60 plants m–2 gave the highest root yield of 1.2 t ha–1 which was 50% higher than that following 15 cm tillage depth and the same density. This is attributed to the favourable effect of the former treatment leading to 33, 37 and 21% increases in plant height, number of branches per plant and shoot biomass yield, respectively. Further, this treatment produced most (68%) best quality root pieces. Main root length, length of lateral roots and diameter of lateral roots were significantly increased, while the diam...

Morphology, yield and quality of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) roots and its cultivation economics as influenced by tillage depth and plant population density

Y. Vijay Kumar

Papers

Morphology, yield and quality of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) roots and its cultivation economics as influenced by tillage depth and plant population density