Research Article | Published: 01 December 2007

Effect of growth media, seed size and depth of sowing on growth and quality of seedlings of physic nut (Jatropha curcas Linn.)

R. C. Sharma and D. S. Rana

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 30 | Issue: 4 | Page No. 467-473 | 2007
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2007-9R89QZ | Cite this article

Abstract

A field experiment was carried out during summer season of 2004 to assess the effect of growth media, size and weight of seed and depth of seed sowing on the growth and quality of seedlings of Physic nut (Jatropha curcas Linn.). The analysis of data revealed that germination percentage (80.5%), final seedling stand before transplanting (75.6%), seedling height (90.50 cm), number of branches per seedling (1.93), collar diameter (2.61 cm), root total length per seedling (608 cm), leaf area per seedling (10597 cm2), total dry weight per seedling (164.2 g), total chlorophyll content (2.92 mg/g of tissue) and quality index (Dickson’s quality index and sturdiness quotient) of seedlings were significantly higher under raised seedbed of soil + FYM mixture (3:1 ratio) closely followed by raised seedbed of soil alone. Seedlings grown on polythene bags filled with soil + FYM mixture (3:1 ratio) recorded least values of all these parameters. Cost of nursery raising based on 5000 seedlings (Rs. 7660) was highest under polythene bags filled with soil + FYM mixture (3:1 ratio) while net returns (Rs. 6120) and benefit: cost ratio (1:21) was highest under raised seedbed of soil alone followed by raised seedbed of soil + FYM mixture (3:1 ratio). Negative net returns (Rs 1315) and benefit: cost ratio (-0.17) were recorded under polythene bags filled with soil + FYM mixture (3:1 ratio). Bold seeds sown at 3 to 4 cm depth produced significantly superior seedlings in terms of growth and quality parameters over the normal seeds sown at 5 to 6 cm depth. Bold seeds sown at 3 to 4 cm depth also improved economics of nursery raising over normal seeds sown at 5-6 cm depth.

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How to cite

Sharma, R.C. and Rana, D.S., 2007. Effect of growth media, seed size and depth of sowing on growth and quality of seedlings of physic nut (Jatropha curcas Linn.). Indian Journal of Forestry, 30(4), pp.467-473. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2007-9R89QZ

Publication History

Manuscript Published on 01 December 2007

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