Abstract:
An experiment was carried out at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural
University, Vellanikkara with the objective to evaluate the best nutrient levels and
sowing treatments required for the production of good quality stumps based on
anatomical properties of the seedlings with particular reference to wood formation due
to cambial activity. The different nutrient and sowing methods were randomly
allocated following completely randomized design.
From the experiment, it was found that the best nutrient and sowing
method combinations were N2S3 (cowdung 0.4 kg/rrr' and neem cake 0.2 kg/rn ' with
spacing of 12 cm x 12 cm between seeds). In terms of biometric characters and
biomass characteristics of seedlings it was also found that in quick growing seedlings,
vessel diameter was large and vessel frequency was less. Collar girth was positively
related with ring width and negative related with vessel frequency.
Comparing the performance of nursery raised seedlings with root trainer
raised seedlings it was found that the growth characteristics as well as the anatomical
properties were inferior for root trainer raised seedlings. In the present study it was
found that the best quality teak stumps could be produced by intensive cultural
practices. Intensive management of nursery seedlings could produce VlgOurOUS
seedlings and thereby it could produce good quality stumps in less time.
Results of the present study showed that traditional system of production of
teak stumps were efficient By imposing superior nutrient and sowing methods good
quality, vigorous stumps can be produced to meet the immediate plantation
requirements within a short period.
