Vol. 9, Special Issue 11, Part A (2025)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biofertilizer and vermicompost applications on the biochemical composition and withanolide accumulation in W. somnifera under controlled conditions. during rabi, the experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments: T₁ (Control), T₂ (Azotobacter @ ½ RDBF), T₃ (Azotobacter @ RDBF), T₄ (Azotobacter @ 2× RDBF), and T₅ (Vermicompost @ 3.5 kg per 50 kg soil) and four replications. Observations were recorded for withanolide A (%), withanolide B (%), total carbohydrate (%), protein (%), fat (%), fiber (%), ash (%), and moisture (%). The results revealed significant differences among treatments for all biochemical parameters. Maximum withanolide A content (0.064%) was recorded in T₂, while withanolide B (0.071%) was highest in T₃. The T4 showed the highest protein content (11.83%) in T₄, which also exhibited overall superior biochemical quality. Vermicompost treatment (T₅) enhanced fat (0.553%) and fiber (27.83%) contents, whereas the control (T₁) showed the highest total carbohydrate (54.49%) but lower withanolide accumulation. The combined use of Azotobacter and vermicompost improved nutrient assimilation and secondary metabolism, resulting in enhanced biochemical quality and market value of Ashwagandha. The findings suggest that the integrated application of biofertilizers and vermicompost effectively balances primary and secondary metabolism, improves protein synthesis and withanolide biosynthesis, enhances soil health, and supports sustainable, eco-friendly production of high-quality W. somnifera under dryland conditions.