D. Annapurna , T. S. Rathore , G. Joshi

Abstract

Eight combinations of potting medium ingredients and five sieve sizes of potting medium were used to find their effect on seedling growth of Santalum album L. in 270 cc block type ischolar_main trainers using Cajanus cajan as a primary host. Analysis of potting medium ingredients was also carried out to find their mechanical, physical and chemical properties to understand its impact on seedling growth. The best seedling growth in terms of height, collar diameter, total dry weight, shoot dry weight, ischolar_main dry weight and ischolar_main shoot ratio was observed in potting medium consisting sand: soil: compost in the ratio of 40:10:50. High level of compost and low level of sand (75:25) favoured shoot growth and collar diameter, but further increase in organic matter (compost + cocopeat) inhibited overall growth of seedlings. Potting media consisting rice husk and charcoal (7.5% each) exhibited poor growth. Low level of soil (10%) in the potting medium favoured less compaction, better plug formation and seedling growth. Sieve size had significant effect on seedling growth. Potting medium sieved through 6 × 6 holes/sq inch proved the best for overall growth of seedlings, followed by 8 × 8 holes/sq inch. Increase (4 × 4 holes/sq inch) or decrease (12 × 12 and 10 × 10 holes/sq inch) in sieve size of the potting medium resulted in poor growth of the seedlings. By integrating the results of potting medium and sieve size, quality seedlings of sandalwood can be obtained within six months in 270 cc ischolar_main trainers.

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T. S. Rathore , D. Annapurna , G. Joshi , A. Srivastava

Abstract

The studies were aimed to optimize the potting mixture ingredients, their proportion and size of the container (ischolar_main trainers) for the production of quality planting stock of Casuarina equisetifolia Forst. Seven combinations of potting mixture ingredient (sand, soil, compost, burnt, rice husk and charcol) were tested in various ratios for the optimization of potting mixture in 150cc block type ischolar_main trainers. Simultaneously, four different volumes (90cc,150cc,270cc and 300cc) of ischolar_main trainers were tested for suitability of container size. Chemical and physical analysis of potting mixture ingredients were carried out for better understanding of nutrient status, porosity, water holding capacity, bulk density, pH and conductivity. The best seedling growth at five months age in terms of height(47.39 em), collar diameter (3.08 mm), total dry weight (4.5g), shoot dry weight (3.04g), ischolar_main dry weight (l.47g) and quality index (0.26) was observed in potting mixture consisting of sand, soil, compost, burnt rice husk and charcoal in the 30 : 10 : 50 : 5 : 5 ratio, which was at par with potting mixture consisting sand, soil, compost in the ratio of 20:20:60. Larger size of containers (300cc) at three months age produced seedlings with maximum height (27.61cm), collar diameter (2.08mm) and dry biomass (4.75g), but had other disadvantages like more sturdiness quotient (13.67),less ischolar_main shoot ratio (0.43) and no proper plug formation after 3 months. On the other hand seedlings raised in 150 cc ischolar_main trainer resulted into low sturdiness quotient (11.18), more ischolar_main shoot ratio (0.62) and good plug formation and considered for planting.

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