4.3. Seedling growth
Seedling stage is the most sensitive stage in the life cycle of plant and hence it is susceptible to physical and chemical adversities. The application of different levels of vermicompost increased the growth and development pattern of seedlings. In the experiment, the highest seedling length was recorded in the 200 g of vermicompost fertilizer applied in the pots. The increase in root growth was also influenced by the 200 g of vermicompost treatment. Growth promotingactivity of vermicompost was tested using a plant bioassay method. The plumule length of maize (Zea mays) seedlings was measured 48 h after soaking in vermicompost water and in normal water. The marked difference in plumule length of maize seedlings indicated that plant growth promoting hormones are present in vermicompost [23]. [24] reported that vermicompost increased the germination index of the Brazilian tree (Licania lomentosa) and in a previous study we observed that the use of vermicompost.