Effect of Kunapajala and Fertilizers on Senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.)

Kunapajala, an Ayurvedic plant growth promoter, has been mentioned in Vrikshayurveda to promote flowering, fruiting and vegetative growth of plants. Kunapajala was prepared in laboratory according to the standard procedure as available in the literature. To demonstrate the effect of Kunapajala, Senna was grown in Dhanvantari Garden of Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar in September 2001. Four different treatments comprising of standard dose of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium, Kunapajala (laboratory), Kunapajala (commercial) and control were applied to the crop. Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium were applied at the rate of 50, 20 and 20 kilogram per hectare respectively. Full dose of Phosphorus, Potassium and half of Nitrogen was applied as a basal application and rest of Nitrogen was applied in two split doses. Kunapajala was applied at the rate of two ml per litre of water at one-month interval. The crop was harvested twice, first at 70 days after sowing and second at 90 days after sowing. Fertilizers as well as Kunapajala resulted in increasing plant height, biomass yield, and number of pods per plant and early crop maturity. Maximum concentration and yield of sennoside was found in plants treated with fertilizers and control respectively.