Alterations in Withanolide Production in Withania Somnifera (l). Dunal Under Low Light Stress

By : Lini Jacob , Lekshmi K. Edison , Manju R.V. , Roy Stephen , Viji M. M

Page No: 119-121

Abstract
Effect of low light stress on growth and withanolide production were studied in the economically important medicinal plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal under pot culture conditions. Experiments were conducted by imposing different levels of shade stress treatment including 25 per cent, 50 per cent and 75 per cent shade along with control under optimum conditions for a period of 30 days. Plants were uprooted to analyse growth responses and withanolide content. Low light stress significantly affected all the morphological parameters, and total withanolide content. Highest withanolide accumulation was recorded under 75 percent shade condition; after exposure to stress for a period of 30 days.

Authors :
Lini Jacob, Manju R. V., Roy Stephen, Viji M. M. and Lekshmi K. Edison : Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram- 695 522, Kerala, India.