Influence of Nursery Media and Mulching on Sprouting and Growth of Greater yam (Dioscorea alata) Minisetts

Authors

  • Sheeba Rebecca Isaac Farming Systems Research Station, Sadanandapuram PO, Kottarakkara, Kollam Kerala
  • Janova Varghese Farming Systems Research Station, Sadanandapuram, Kottarakkara, Kollam 691 531 Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala
  • Remya N Farming Systems Research Station, Sadanandapuram, Kottarakkara, Kollam 691 531 Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala
  • Akhila Krishnan Farming Systems Research Station, Sadanandapuram, Kottarakkara, Kollam 691 531 Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala

Keywords:

minisetts, mulching, soilless media, sprouting, vermicompost

Abstract

The   experiment   conducted at FSRS Sadanandapuram   under Kerala Agricultural University  to assess the influence of different potting media   including soilless media and seed treatments on the sprouting and early growth of Dioscorea alata minisetts revelaed the significant influence of soil in the potting media for minisett germination. Sprouting was significantly   earlier when planted in the media containing soil compared to the soilless media. Seedling growth and vigour were significantly higher in the soil media followed by the combination of soil and coir pith compost in 1:1 ratio. The observations remained similar for the cow dung treated and  non treated  minisetts. However, among the latter two, seed treatment with cow dung slurry proved to be superior. The influence of mulching the minisetts in the nursery was also examined and   statistical analyses of the data revealed significantly earlier germination in the mulched minisetts compared to the non  mulched treatments. The experiment   has proven that soiless media of coir pith compost enriched vermicompost was not comparable with soil in raising Dioscorea alata   minisett seedlings in nursery and, cow dung slurry treatment and mulching were absolutely essential   for   seedling growth   in   the minisetts.

Author Biography

Sheeba Rebecca Isaac, Farming Systems Research Station, Sadanandapuram PO, Kottarakkara, Kollam Kerala

Associate Professor (Agronomy)KAU

References

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Published

2015-01-01

How to Cite

Isaac, S. R., Varghese, J., N, R., & Krishnan, A. (2015). Influence of Nursery Media and Mulching on Sprouting and Growth of Greater yam (Dioscorea alata) Minisetts. JOURNAL OF ROOT CROPS, 39(2), 247–249. Retrieved from https://journal.isrc.in/index.php/jrc/article/view/80

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 2 (2013): Journal of Root Crops

Section

Short Communications

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