Bio Stimulant Potential of Different Banana Peel Aqueous Extracts on Black Gram (Vigna mungo)

ABSTRACT
Background: Banana peel, a major by-product of banana consumption, is rich in plant nutrients and bioactive compounds with
potential applications as a natural bio-stimulant in agriculture. Black gram (Vigna mungo) is an important pulse crop and its growth
could be positively influenced by organic inputs. This study investigates the effects of aqueous extracts of various banana peel
varieties on black gram germination and seedling development.
Methods: Peels from five banana cultivars (Morris, Rasthali, Green, Nendran and Red banana) were soaked in distilled water (1:2
w/v) for 24 hours to prepare 5% and 10% aqueous extracts. These were tested alongside distilled water as a control in a seed
germination assay using the paper towel method. Eleven treatments, each with three replicates, were evaluated for parameters
including germination rate, root and shoot length, total seedling length, leaf number, fresh and dry weights and vigor indices I and II.
response Index (RI) was used to assess treatment effectiveness relative to control.
Result: Overall, 5% peel extracts had a more favorable impact on seedling growth than 10% extracts. F2 (Morris 5%) and F4
(Rasthali 5%) showed the highest values in root length (7.90 cm), shoot length (21.12 cm), total length (28.10 cm) and vigor index-I
(2248). F6 (Green 5%) exhibited the highest dry weight (0.33 g) and vigor index-II (26.48). Among 10% extracts, F7 (Nendran 10%)
had the highest fresh, dry weights and highest vigor index-II (27.36). Most treatments had a positive Response Index, supporting the
stimulatory potential of banana peel extracts on the growth of black gram.