Influence of Potting Mixture and Sowing Orientation on Physiological Parameters of Balanites roxburghii (Linn.)

Abstract

Balanites roxburghii (Linn.) species has been classified under the category of endangered plant species due to excessive exploitation for a variety of purposes, which has necessitated conservation of this tree species, and hence a study was conducted to investigate the effect of potting mixture and sowing orientation on early growth performance and vigour. Seeds were subjected to seven potting mixtures: M1: Soil:Sand:FYM 2:1:1, M2: Soil:Cocopeat:FYM 2:1:1,M3: Soil:Cocopeat:Vermicompost 2:1:1, M4: Soil:Paddy Husk:FYM: 2:1:1, M5: Soil:Paddy Husk:Vermicompost: 2:1:1, M6: Soil: Saw Dust:FYM 2:1:1, and M7: Soil:sawdust: Vermicompost 2:1:1. The seeds were sown in three orientations. S1: Seeds laid vertically with stalk end downwards; S2: Seeds laid horizontally and S3: Seeds laid vertically with stalk end upwards. Physiological parameters considered for assessment were seed germination, days taken for germination, seedling length, and seedling vigor index. A completely randomized design was used for the experiment. The results showed that there is a significant difference among seven different potting mixtures and three orientations. At the end of 8 weeks, the seed is sown horizontally in the potting mixture Soil:cocopeat:vermicompost (2:1:1) has recorded the germination percentage of 71.67%, 37 days taken for seed germination, highest seedling length (64 cm), and highest seedling vigour index (4561). The high-vigor seedlings may survive even in unfavorable conditions, with high survival rate compared to others. The study recommended that to obtain high-vigor Balanites roxburghii seedlings, seeds may be sown in potting mixture soil: cocopeat: vermicompost (2:1:1) with horizontal orientation.