Growth response of black velvet tamarind (Dialium guineense Willd) seedling to different potting media

Abstract

The response in growth and development of seedlings of Dialium guineense to different potting media was studied in the screen house. Five potting media: River sand (Rs), Top soil (Ts), Poultry manure (Pm), Rice husk (Rh) and Oil palm refuse bunch (OPRB) were used. They were evaluated as sole treatments and in combination with river sand (Rs) in different ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:5 and 5:2) respectively. Altogether, twenty one (21) potting media types were evaluated. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) in three replications. Data were collected on monthly basis for plant growth parameters, while shoot and root dry weight were measured at the end of the experiment. On the average the seedlings of D. guineense responded best on the Rs + Ts 1:2 growth medium in number of leaves (16.67), stem girth (0.31 cm), number of nodes (11.67), shoot dry weight (1.24 g) and root dry weight (0.50 g). Rs + Ts 1:2 was followed by Rs + Pm 1:1 and Ts sole respectively with respect to the growth parameters evaluated and were not significantly (p 0.05) from one another, but were significantly (p < 0.05) different from other media and their combinations with river sand.