Influence of sowing depth and orientation on germination and seedling emergence of Cinnamomum tamala Nees

Abstract

Aim: The effect of sowing depth and orientation on germination, seedling development and biomass yield of Cinnamomum tamala were studied. Buried depth and orientation is potentially important for successful germination and seedling development for regeneration. Methodology: Seeds of C. tamala were sown at 3 cm, 5 cm and 7 cm, buried in horizontal, upright and inverted orientation treatments. Results: Fewer seeds were germinated as buried depth increased. Relative to buried at 3 cm and 5 cm depth, emergents were fewer and delayed for seeds buried at 7 cm. Upright seed orientation enhanced germination relative to seeds sown in an inverted or horizontal orientation. Seed depth and orientation also affected germination time. Deeply buried seed significantly (p<0.05) affected the shoot length, root length, number of leaves and their biomass allocation. Orientation treatment significantly (p<0.05) impacted shoot and root length and their biomass allocation. Interpretation: Seeds buried at shallow depths and upright orientation, were more favourable to seedling emergence and therefore, might play an important role in survival of newly emerged seedling of C. tamala.