Philippine E-Journals

Growth of Four-Lesser-used Tree Species in Different Potting Mixtures and Watering Frequencies

Joselito I. Rosario | Charito L. Samsam | Dionisio L. Jamias

Discipline: Agriculture

 

Abstract:

This study determined the most suitable potting mixture and watering interval for raising quality seedlings of four lesser-used tree species such as akleng parang [Albizia procera (Roxb. Benth.], kariskis [Albizia lebbekoidez (D.C.) Benth.], sakat (Terminalia nitens Presl.), and banaba [Lagerstroemia speciosa (Linn.) Pers.]. The experiment was set-up at the MMSU Central Nursery, City of Batac, Ilocos Norte Results revealed marked effects of potting mixture and watering frequency on the percentage survival of sakat. Likewise, potting media and watering frequency affected the height increments of akleng parang, while potting mixtures affected the shoot-root ratio of sakat seedlings.. In addition, significant interactions of potting mixture and watering frequency were observed on the: a) height and diameter increment and shoot-root ratio of kariskis; b) survival and height increment of akleng parang; c) height and diameter increments of sakat; and d) survival, height, and diameter increments, and shoot-root ratio of banaba. Seedlings watered every two days had higher survival rate and increased on height and diameter faster than those watered at longer intervals. The most promising potting media for producing seedlings of the four species are: a) kariskis – ordinary garden soil (OGS) alone, and OGS + river sand (RS, 1:1 ratio); b) akleng parang – OGS alone and OGS + RS (1:1 ratio); c) sakat – OGS alone and OGS + rice hull (RH at 1:2 ratio); and d) banaba – OGS alone and OGS + RS (1:1 ratio). All the tree species should be watered every two days to ensure the production of quality seedlings.