Effect of shade on growth traits of sandalwood seedlings in nursery conditions Durai MV1,*, Kartik AG1 1Division of Silviculture and Forest Management, Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE), Ministry of Environment & Forests (GoI), 18th Cros, Malleswaram, Bengaluru-560 003, (Karnataka), India *MV Durai (Corresponding author) duraimv@gmail.com
Online Published on 18 March, 2023. Abstract Sandalwood is a semi-rot parasite, medium size multipurpose tree valued for its heartwood and oil content. As result of liberation of Government policy on sandalwood cultivation in farm lands, large scale commercial plantations are being established in both in its traditional and non-traditional areas in India since 2001. In fact, sandalwood is being cultivated with horticultural crops as it is served as host as well as provide intermediate income to the farmers. The host plants cause shade effect on growing sandal trees due to its fast growth and proximity. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of shade on growth, rooting pattern and biomass of sandalwood plants at nursery stage. The experiment includes 3 treatments viz., T1- Fully covered plants, T2- ½ of plant height covered, and T3- control (open condition). The highest mean plant height, collar diameter, tap root length and root biomass of sandal was recorded in T2 whereas mean number of leaves and shoot biomass was noted in the control treatment. Thus, application of lateral shade (up ½ of plant height) enhance height growth and good tree form. Top Keywords Biomass, Growth, Light, Root, Sandalwood, Shade. Top |