Effect of Different Nutrient Media in Growth and Health of Tomato Seedlings in Arghakhanchi District (Nepal)

Abstract

This research was performed on March-May 2021 to evaluate the effects of different growth media on health and growth characteristics of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings. The experiment was laid in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and four replications. The different nutrient media used were FYM, Poultry Manure, Vermicompost and Cocopeat each with 1:1 mix with soil. The other nutrient medium being soil only as a control treatment. Seeds of Manisha variety were sown on the tray under the high-tech greenhouse nursery with respective treatments. Data entry and arrangement of collected data was done using MS Excel and further analysis was done using R-studio. At 14 days after sowing, FYM (93.33%) and Cocopeat (94.17%) had the highest germination percentage while control (70%) had the lowest percentage of germinated seedlings. Other parameters as seedling height (10.78 cm), plant stand (90.83%) and leaf number (10.75) were found higher in cocopeat +soil (1:1) treatment. Disease incidence (33.4%), however, was found higher in poultry manure. From this experiment, Cocopeat +soil (1:1) mix proved to be the best medium for raising tomato seedlings as disease incidence was low, germination percentage was higher including final plant stand, seedling height and leaf number as compared to other nutrient media.