Effect of shade and spacing on growth performance of Bergenia ciliata: An important medicinal plant of North-Western Himalayas

Bergenia ciliata, a perennial herbaceous plant native to the Himalayan region, has gained attention for its ornamental and medicinal properties (Yaginuma et al., 2003) ^[11]. The study examines the impact of 3 distinct spacing configurations i.e., 45 cm x 45 cm (SP1), 45 cm x 60 cm (SP2) and 60 cm x 60 cm (SP3) and four varied shade treatments i.e., 0% (SD1), 25% (SD2), 50% (SD3), 75% (SD4) on six crucial growth parameters which include plant spread, number of leaves, leaf area, rhizome fresh weight, rhizome dry weight and total biomass. Through meticulous experimentation, we analyse how the interplay of spacing and shade influences the overall growth and development of Bergenia ciliata. Remarkably, the study revealed that the maximum growth was achieved when Bergenia ciliata was exposed to 50% shade (SD3) and planted with wider spacing (SP3). This is because 50% shade provide optimum environmental conditions for plant growth parameters to grow by maintaining a good water and nutrients status. Also, under shady circumstances, plant engage in various adaptations such as reducing respiration, expanding leaf area to capture more light and boosting photosynthesis efficiency per unit of light energy (Hanudin et al., 2012) ^[2]. Wider spacing also attributed to congenial growing conditions such as more space available for growth of roots and shoots (Mounika et al., 2021) ^[1]. It facilitated better growth outcomes as it allows improved light penetration and reduced competition among the plants. Maximum spacing provides more ample room/ space for plant to grow with minimal competition from neighbouring plant. This finding emphasizes the significance of carefully considering both shade intensity and spacing arrangements to optimize the growth of Bergenia ciliata.