Evaluation of Potting Mix on the Growth of Container-Grown Trifoliate Orange (Poncirus trifoliata)

Suraj Chhetri, Ganja Singh Rai, Tsheten Lhendu

ABSTRACT

Effects of different potting mix on the growth and development of pre-germinated Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings were studied in the greenhouse experiment at the Agriculture Research and Development Centre, Samtenling in two consecutive growing seasons. Cattle manure, coconut coir and composted saw dust were evaluated by mixing individually with coarse river sand at the ratio of 34% and 50% by volume and their performances were compared to the local standard potting mix (50% topsoil and 50% cattle manure volume/volume). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RCBD) with five replications. Results obtained from the first year experiment showed that potting mix with 66% sand and 34% composted saw dust showed significant differences (p < 0.05) from other treatments in terms of incremental plant height (84.00 cm), but no significant differences were observed in incremental stem girth. Similar results were also observed in the second year experiment. The potting mix consisting of 66% sand + 34% composted saw dust, 50% sand + 50% cattle manure and 50% sand +50% composted sawdust showed high significant differences (p < 0.01) from other treatments in terms of incremental height where as potting mix of 50% sand + 50% composted saw dust produced the best seedling attributes in terms of stem girth (5.72 mm). The potting mix combination of 66% sand+ 34% composted saw dust was found to be best for the growth in terms of increase in height of trifoliate orange. For grafting purpose, potting mix combination of 50% sand + 50% composted saw dust could be used as it recorded the maximum increase in stem girth.

KEYWORDS:

Citrus; Potting Mix; Growth; Stem Girth

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