Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Dr. Bahadur Singh, Dr. Bhagwat Singh Chouhan, Er Hasmukh Gehlot, Dr. Deepak Kr. Jain and Dr. Jeevan Ram Jat

Abstract:
Isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk) is indeed a valuable medicinal plant and widely cultivated in India and other countries for its seeds. India is first rank in the trading of Isabgol seed as well as in husk. Isabgol is a Rabi season crop, with a maturity period of 120 to 140 days. The Isabgol plant produces white flowers. After the flowers are pollinated, they develop into seeds, which are brown-grey in color, small, and ovate-shaped. The seeds are relatively tiny, measuring about 1.8 to 3.8 mm in length. Each seed is covered with a translucent, gel-like membrane, which is commonly referred to as the "husk". The two major products of Isabgol are seed and husk. The husk is brown grey pink in colour and membranous covering seeds. It has hygroscopic nature as it absorbs and retain water 40-90 percent. Psyllium seeds and husk, derived from the Isabgol plant (Plantago ovata Forsk), possess various medicinal properties like mild laxative, emollient, demulcent, cooling and diuretic that make them useful in treating a range of gastrointestinal and urinary condition Scuring of chronic dysentery, diarrhea, duodenal ulcer, constipation and piles. Isabgol (Plantago ovata Forks) is known for its adaptability to a wide range of agro-climatic conditions. It can be cultivated in various regions with different temperature and weather conditions. It can be thrive in warm temperate regions as well as cool and dry weather conditions. This adaptability makes it suitable for cultivation in different geographical locations. The optimal soil pH for maximum seed production of Isabgol is in the range of 7 to 8. Neutral to slightly alkaline soils are favorable for the plant's growth. Isabgol requires a good amount of sunlight for healthy growth. In Rajasthan, Isabgol is mainly cultivated in western part, but cultural practices particularly identification of genotypes, it is also suitable for sub humid conditions. Isabgol plants are sensitive to certain weather conditions, especially during their flowering and seed-setting stages. Cloudy weather and mild to light rain can negatively impact the pollination and seed-setting process, leading to heavy shedding of flowers and seeds. This phenomenon can result in significant seed yield loss for Isabgol crops. As the cultural practices of Isabgol is suitable for sub humid conditions, an attempt has been in the present study to assess the performance of Isabgol genotype and to identify superior genotypes for seed yield under sub humid conditions.