Comparative Effectiveness of Different Growth Media on Growth, Biomass and Morphology Features of Kinnow Mandarin Seedling

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture, Sub-campus Burewala Vehari during spring 2018 to investigate the most effective growth media for the growth of kinnow Mandarin seedlings along with highest potential of root, shoots, branches and leaves growth. The growing media is crucial for better plant growth and development. Seeds of Kinnow Mandarin were sown in twelve (12) different composite media (made from different proportions of peat moss, coco coir, compost, baggase, and soil) in CRD with three repeats. Data regarding germination of kinnow seeds and seedling quality parameters (Fresh weight, dry weight, seedling length, root shoot ratio, dry matter contents) were recorded during the experiment. The results proved that the peat moss was the most efficient among all the other growing media for producing the maximum number of leaves, shoot length, root length and seedling length while, compost was found to be a most effective medium for maximum seed germination. The composition in 1:1 of baggase + peat moss was most prominent to produce leaves with larger surface areas. Therefore, peat moss is an effective growth media among other growing media for Kinnow production.