Philippine E-Journals

Nursery Management in Relation to Root Deformation, Sowing and Shading

Edwin O. Cedamon | Eduardo O. Mangaoang | Nestor Gregorio | Arturo E. Pasa | John Herbohn

 

Abstract:

The polybag is widely used for seedling production in the Philippines. Seedlings commonly have root defomation which has adverse effects as they grow and develop into mature trees. This study assessed the influence of potting technique and hardening intensity on the growth performance of seedlings in nursery and field conditions. Seedlings of bag.ras (Eucalrptus deglupta) and mangium (Acacia mangium) were grown in hiko trays and 4"x 6" poly bags at the College of forestry nursery, Leyte State University (LSU). Kalumpit (Terminalia microcurpa) and pellita (Eucalyptus pellita) were used for a trial in the Conalum Agroforestry Farmers Association (CAFA) nursery in lnopacan, Leyte, aimed at validating LSU results and at the same time evaluating fanners' perceptions on the use ofhiko trays and polybags in seedling production. Jt was found that seedlings of bagras, mangium, kalumpit and pellita grown in hiko trays have smaller diameter and height compared with those in polybags at 12 weeks. Root deformation of seedlings was absent in biko trays but high ,vith seedlings in polybags. As perceived by both farmers and ACIAR researchers, hiko tray seedlings are of high quality exhibiting sturdy shoot, trained roots and homogenous growth.