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Meraj U. Din Dar ¹, P. A. Sofi ¹, T. H. Masoodi ¹, Mumtaz A. Ganie ²

Affiliations
1 Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Wadura, Sopore, J&K, IN
2 Division of Soil Science, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar, 190 025, J&K, IN

Abstract

The study was aimed to determine the effect of varying levels of nitrogen fertigation on growth of Cryptomeria japonica seedlings in nursery conditions.The germinated seedlings were fertilized at weekly interval with ingestad pretreatment nutrient solution with nitrogen doze @ 0 (without fertigation), 3.00, 6.00, 9.00, 12.00, 15.00, 18.00 and 21.00 mg dissolved in 50 ml of water along with fixed levels of P, K, Ca and Mg seedling^-1 week^-1 upto 28 weeks. Nitrogen fertigation increased seedling height, biomass, relative growth rate, seedling quality index and other parameters. Quality seedlings of Cryptomeria japonica were produced at the nitrogen addition @18 mg seedling^-1 week^-1 for first growing season at nursery. It increased seedling height by 84.6% collar diameter by 35.5%, total seedling dry weight by 226.2%, as compared to control. Seedling survival (97.2%), relative growth rate (0.248) and seedling quality index (0.093) was recorded highest at 18 mg nitrogen application rate. For raising quality seedlings of Cryptomeria japonica, 18 mg of N week^-1 seedling^-1 may be applied during the first growing season to obtain maximum overall growth and biomass production.

Keywords

Biomass, Fertigation, Growth, Nitrogen, Seedling Quality Index.

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P. A. Sofi ¹, A. R. Malik ¹, J. S. Butola ², G. M. Bhat ¹, C. S. Dhanai ²

Affiliations
1 S.K. University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Wadura Campus, Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir, IN
2 College of Forestry, VCSG Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, IN

Abstract

Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don (Deodar) is one amongst the prominent conifer species of temperate region of India. Good seed year in this species occurs once in 4-5 years and the seeds do not retain viability for more than one season under normal ambient temperature. Standardization of suitable storage condition is pre-requisite for the management of its germplasm. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the effect of storage temperatures and type of containers on viability and germination during different storage periods (3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months). The seeds were stored in three different types of containers (Polybags, Earthen pots and Plastic containers) and kept at three different temperature regimes (Room temperature, 4.0±1.0°C and 8.0±1.0°C). Results revealed that seed stored in earthen pots at 4.0±1.0°C retained significantly (P < 0.05) higher viability (73.0%), germination (70.0%) and germination value (19.50) after 18 months of storage as compared to other storage conditions. Notably, a sharp decline in viability and germination was recorded in seeds stored in polybags placed at room temperature. Possible reasons of such variation in results have been discussed. The implementation of these results for conservation management especially nursery development and sustainable utilization of Deodar in Himalayan region have been suggested.

Keywords

Cedrus deodara, Germination, Storage, Temperature, Container, Himalaya.

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