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327
J. Agri. Vet. Sci. 03 (2) 2024. 327-336
https://doi.org/10.55627agrivet.003.02.784
Research Article
Influence of Various Nutrient Media on the Seed
Germination, Growth and Development of Acacia (Acacia
Auriculiformis L.)
Ali Raza Jamali1*, Shamshad Jamali2, Asif Ali Kaleri3, Abdul Wahab Soomro4,
Shuaib Ahmed Magsi4, Asif Ali Hajano1, Hussain Bakhsh Kalhoro5 Muzamil
Farooque Jamali1
1Department of Horticulture, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
2Barley & Wheat Research, Institute Tandojam, Pakistan
3Department of Agronomy, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan
4Central Cotton Research Institute Sakrad, Pakistan
5Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam,
Pakistan
ABSTRACT
The present research was carried out in 2022-23 at the SAU Nursery, Sindh
Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan. To assess the influence of various
Nutrient Media on seed germination growth and development of Acacia (Acacia
auriculiformis L.) The experimental trial was carried out in Completely Randomized
Design (CRD) with three replications. Acacia seeds were grown in Nutrient Media
comprising canal silt, farmyard manure, rice husk and dry leaves in (1:1) among
the nutrient media comprising canal silt + Rice husk (1:1) has shown the best result
in germination and growth parameters. Viz germination (83.33%), plant height
(17.70cm), number of branches plant-1 (27.66), fresh biomass of shoot (30.27g),
dry biomass of shoot (14.15g), and quality index (0.78) while the poor results was
recorded in canal silt germination (23.33%), Based on Nutrient Media, NM3 canal
silt + Rice husk (1:1) performed better germination growth and development of
Acacia, the present study that the Nutrient MediaNM3 =canal silt + rice husk (1:1)
had better result for all parameters. It has been suggested that Acacia may be
nourished with Nutrient Media Canal Silt + Rice husk (1:1) and also good in Canal
silt + Dry leaves (1:1).
Keywords: Rice husk, Dry leaves, Germination, Farmyard manure, Quality index
INTRODUCTION
Acacia (Acacia auriculiformis L.) belongs to the family of Fabaceae, it is a multi-
purpose legume of the genus mimosa, originating from South and Southeast Asia.(DK.
and MK., 2001).The demand for different types of land use and the constant
deforestation are the reasons for the decline of natural forests. Thus, the constant
supply of wood from natural forests becomes very difficult for various purposes(Asif et
al., 2017).
Plantations of fast-growing species should be established as a compensation package
to reduce the supply of natural forests (Sharma et al., 2011). Acacia is an evergreen,
exotic, multi-branched, multi-flowered species, grown mainly on highways, railway
embankments, in parks and gardens, due to its resistance to decoration and drought
(Hossain et al., 2009; Islam et al., 2013). It is considered one of the most promising
plant species for cultivation due to its ability to survive in various degraded
environmental conditions. (Jahan et al., 2008).
Journal of Agriculture
and Veterinary Science
ISSN: 2959-1198 (Print), 2959-1201 (Online)
Correspondence
Ali Raza Jamali
alijamali752@gmail.com
Article History
Received: May 14, 2024
Accepted: June 24, 2024
Published: August 30, 2024
Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.
Licensee: Roots Press,
Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
This article is an open access
article distributed under the terms
and conditions of the Creative
Commons Attribution (CC BY)
license:
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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Jamali et al., 2024
https://doi.org/10.55627/agrivet.003.02.790
Thus, Acacia is currently one of the first choices for reforestation, reforestation, and agroforestry in many South
Asian countries (Azad et al., 2011). High-quality and hard-wearing Acacia wood core is suitable for use in the
furniture industry and other construction purposes (Pinyopusarerk, 1990). In addition, acacia wood is perfect for the
production of fuel wood and charcoal, and it has also proven to be a good type of wood pulp to meet high demand,
which is why many organizations produce acacia seedlings in nurseries (Khan et al., 2014). The productivity of the
farm was found to be below the expected standards. This can be attributed to the reduced soil fertility and stunted
growth resulting from seedling competition, particularly in nurseries (Hulikatti and Madiwalar, 2011). To establish a
successful company, the creation of a nursery is a crucial step. Direct sowing can lead to the loss of improved seeds,
including potential mortality and death of seedlings which makes planting in a nursery an essential step (Adu-Berko
et al., 2011; Adu-Yeboah et al., 2015). Therefore, it is imperative to ensure the proper care and management of the
nursery to optimize the yield of the farm. Moreover, in contemporary forest nursery practices, the size, shape, length,
and diameter of containers, as well as various pre-sowing treatments, are essential to achieving optimal germination
and the desired number of seedlings in the nursery (Annapurna et al., 2004; Farhadi et al., 2013). These dimensional
characteristics play a crucial role in determining the quality of the seedlings produced. Therefore, it is imperative to
carefully select the appropriate container size and pre-sowing treatments to ensure high-quality seedling production
in the nursery.
Seed treatment is a basic practice aimed at improving and ensuring uniform seed germination (Azad et al., 2006).
Several studies have reported the effect of pre-sowing processing on the germination of various seeds in tropical
forests (Khan et al., 2001; Koirala et al., 2000). However, there is limited literature on the effect of pretreatment of
acacia seeds on germination. Insufficient germination of acacia seeds and delays in setting up Acacia seedlings
prevent intensive cultivation in agroforestry, community forestry and home gardening. Using appropriate processing
methods before sowing can increase the germination rate of acacia seeds and solve the problem. Thus, the purpose
of this research was to determine the best pre-sowing processing methods to improve germination and seedling
growth of Acacia (Matin et al., 2006).
Forest resources are critical for sustainable development, yet they face numerous challenges, including nutritional
deficiencies, pests, and diseases (Coetzee et al., 2011). To address these challenges, various approaches have
been taken, such as selecting nurseries that produce plant materials with high pest and disease resistance,
implementing effective forest management practices, and utilizing biological controls and biostimulants. For example,
bio-organic fertilizers, such as rings produced by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, have been demonstrated to
improve forest health (Francis et al., 2008). These fertilizers can be used as an alternative to chemical fertilizers, as
they are environmentally friendly and can enhance soil fertility, plant growth, and disease resistance. By employing
such strategies, forest managers can increase the productivity and sustainability of forest resources, while also
reducing negative impacts on the environment.
Organic fertilizers contain complex macronutrients, such as nitrogen (n), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium
(CA), magnesium (mg), oxygen (O), as well as trace elements such as iron (Fe).), phosphorus (P), manganese (Mn),
copper (CU), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (MU), sodium (Na), Cobalt (Co) - all this is necessary for plant growth. This
fertilizer is widely used in agriculture to improve soil structure by breaking clay mineral bonds. Soil fertilization
promotes soil aeration, which allows carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) to penetrate the soil. This, in turn,
contributes to the normal processes of transpiration and respiration. The penetration of C (CO2), H (H2) and O (O2)
into the soil allows the release of nutrients from clay minerals through the mechanism of microbial biosynthesis. This
biosynthesis results in the production of new nutrient-rich biomaterials available to plants (Dickson et al., 1960). By
using this fertilizer, Foresters can improve soil fertility and plant growth, thereby increasing the productivity and
sustainability of forest resources.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present research was carried out during rabi 2022-23 at The SAU Nursery, Sindh Agriculture University,
Tandojam. (25°25′40.21″N 68°31′40.40″E). The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomize Design (CRD)
with three replications. A total of four treatments were prepared by mixing various components in different ratios:NM1
Canal Silt,NM2 Canal Silt+FYM (1:1), NM3 Canal Silt + Rice Husk(1:1), NM4 Canal Silt + Dry leaves (1:1).For this
study one variety of Acacia (Desi).The seeds of Acacia were collected from Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam.
TheSeed germination attributes were recorded after fifteen days andgrowth and development-related parameters
were recorded after one month and methodology is given below. The collected data from various observationswere
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statistically analyzed using Statistics 8.1 computer software (Statistix, 2006). The LSD test was applied to compare
treatment superiority, where necessary at (P<0.05). Different parameters of calculating the germination growth and
development are mentioned below.
Coefficient velocity of germination (CVG)
(CVG) provides an indicator of the germination rate. Its value increases with an increase in the number of germinated
seeds and a decrease in the time required for germination. The following formula is used to calculate the vegetation
rate coefficient (Jones and Sanders, 1987).
CVG=N1+N2+…+Nx/100×N1T1+…+Nx/Tx ……………………..(1)
First day of germination (FDG)
On the first day, the seeds swell or swell. Each small brown and white seed germinates the next day. Over the next
2-3 days, it gradually lengthens and the growth of small capillaries begins along its entire circumference, slightly
behind the edges. To calculate the first vegetation day, the following formula is used according to (Al-Mudaris et al.,
1998b).
FDG=Day on which the first Germination event occurred ………….(2)
Germination (%)
Germination percentage is the ratio of seeds that germinate to those that are tested (Lai et al., 2019); GF is the ratio
of seeds that germinate at their peak to those that are tested. The following formula was used to calculate the final
germination percentage according to (Scott et al., 1984).
FGP=Final no. of seeds germination in aseed lot × 100 …………………(3)
Germination index (GI)
Germination index (GI), which is an indicator of the rate and pace of germination. To calculate the germination index,
the following formula is used.
GI=(10×n1)+(9×n2)….(1×n10) …………………………(4)
The germination rate of the index (GRI)
According to Beneke Arnold et al. (1991), the germination rate index (GRI) is a weighted sum of the daily number of
germinated seeds.
GRI=G1/1+G2/2+…+Gx/x …………………………….(5)
Last day of germination (LDG)
The last day of calculated germination according to Al-Mudaris et al. (1998a). The following formula was used to
calculate the last day of germination.
LDG=Day on which the first Germination event occurred ………..(6)
Mean germination rate (MGR)
The mean germination rate is calculated as the reciprocal of the mean germination time. The following formula was
used to calculate the mean germination rate according to the (Ellis et al., 1986).
MGR=G1/1+G2/2+…Gx/x ………………….(7)
Mean germination time (MGT)
The average germination time is an indicator of the time it takes for seeds to germinate, taking into account the day
most seeds germinate. To calculate the average germination rate, the following formula is used (Orchard, 1977).
MGR=∑f.x/∑f ………….(8)
Time spread germination (TSG)
TSG is a measurement of germination timespread. The equation to calculate germination percentage by following the
formula by Al-Mudaris et al. (1998b).
TSG=the time in days between the first andlast Germination events occurring in a Seed lot ………(10)
Plant height (cm)
The plants reached a certain height and then the plants stopped growing, the plantswere randomly selected to be
measured. The plant height was measured from 50% of random plants of each treatment. The height was measured
from the base to the tip of the plant with the help of measuring scale and average values were calculated in
centimeters.
Seedling Vigour Index (SVI)
It is calculated using the following equation described by Abdul‐Baki and Anderson (1973).
Seedling Vigour Index (SVI)
=Seedling length
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*Germination percentage
Acacia seedling’s weight has been determined after one month since the experiment setup. Also, shoot and root
length have been established.
Length of Leaves (mm):
Length of leaves was recorded after one month of the plant by using measurement tap from tip to pedicle of the
randomly selected plants in each replication and averaged in millimeters.
Width of Leaves (mm):
Width of leaves was recorded after one month of the plant by a using measurement tap from the width of center
measured randomly selected plants in each replication and averaged in millimeters.
Root Depth (cm):
A measuring tape was used to calculate the root depthfrom the bottom to the top of the root.
Number of Branches Plant-1, Number of leaves Plant-1 and Number of Leaves Branch-1
The number of leaves and branches was counted visually at the end of experiment from randomly three plants of
each replication.
Diameter of Shoot:
The Diameter of the Shoot was measured by using a vernier caliper. Three readings were noted from each
replication.
Standard Quotient:
Plant Height (cm)/ Collar diameter (mm)
Quality Index:
Quality index was calculated by using the following equation, described by Dickson et al. (1960).
Total Seedling Dry Weight (g)
Shoot height (cm) + Shoot dry weight (g)
Collar diameter (mm) Root dry weight (g)
The fresh Biomass of the Shoot (g) and the fresh Biomass of the Root (g): were calculated by using the
following equation, described by Westlake 1965.
The fresh biomass of shoot and the fresh biomass of root were measured with the help of digital weight balance by
randomly selecting three plants from each replication. The roots were washed in tap water and drain out excess
water for two hours.
The Dry Biomass of shoot (g) and the Dry Biomass of root (g): were calculated by using the following equation,
described by Westlake (1965).
After recording data of fresh biomass of shoot and roots were dried at room temperature for 5 to 7 days. The data of
dry biomass was measured with the help of digital weight balance by randomly selecting three plants from each
treatment.
RESULTS
Germination (%):
The analysis of Variances showed that Germination (%) was significant (P<0.05)as an effect nutrient media
(Table1).The results showed that maximum germination (83.33%) was recorded in NM3followed byNM4 (60% and
40%) recorded in NM2respectively. Whereas the minimum germination (23.3%) was recorded in NM1 nutrients media.
First Day of Germination:
The analysis of Variances showed that the first day of germination was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media (Table1).The results showed that the maximum first day of germination (40.00) was recorded in NM3followed
by (23.33 and 16.66) records in NM2respectively. Whereas the minimum first day of germination (13.33) was noted in
NM1 nutrients media.
Last Day of Germination:
The analysis of Variances showed that the last day of germination was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media (Table-1).The results showed that the maximum last day of germination (36.66) was recorded in NM1followed
by (20.00) recorded in NM2 and NM4 respectively. Whereas the minimum last day of germination (16.66) was noted in
NM3=treatment.
Mean Germination Time:
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J. Agri. Vet. Sci. 03 (2) 2024. 327-336
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The analysis of Variances showed that Mean germination time was significant (P<0.05) as an effect nutrient media
(Table-1).The results showed that the maximum mean germination time (1.97) was recorded in NM3followed by (0.94
and 0.86) records in NM2and NM4respectively. Whereas the minimum mean germination time (0.47) was noted in
NM1treatment.
Coefficient Velocity of Germination:
The analysis of Variances showed that the coefficient velocity of germination was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of
nutrient media (Table 1).The results showed that the maximum coefficient velocity of germination(0.61) was recorded
in NM3 followed by (0.51 and 0.40) recorded in NM2 and NM4vrespectively. Whereas the minimum coefficient velocity
of germination (0.23) was noted in NM1 treatment.
Table1. Germination (%), First Day of Germination (FDG), Last Day of Germination (LDG), Mean Germination Time
(MGT) and Coefficient Velocity of Germination (CVG) in Acacia under Various Nutrient Media.
Nutrients Media
Germination
(G)
First day of
Germination
FDG
Last Day of
Germination
(LDG)
Mean
Germination
Time (MGT)
Coefficient Velocity
of Germination
(CVG)
NH1Canal Silt
23.33 d
13.33 d
36.66 a
0.47 d
0.23 d
NH2 Canal Silt+FYM (1:1)
40.00 c
23.33 b
20.00 b
0.94 b
0.40 c
NH3 Canal Silt + Rice
Husk(1:1)
83.33 a
40.00 a
16.66 c
1.97 a
0.61 a
NH4Canal Silt + Dry leaves
(1:1)
60.00 b
16.66 c
20.00 b
0.86 c
0.51 b
SE ±
15.373
8.165
6.6667
0.3993
0.0752
LSD 0.05
6.6667
18.828
15.373
0.9209
0.1734
P-Value
0.0001
0.0459
0.0629
0.0282
0.0053
F-Value
30.2
4.22
3.67
5.16
9.43
CV
4.71
5.77
4.71
0.28
0.05
Germination Rate of Index:
The analysis of Variances showed that the germination rate of index was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media (Table-2).The results showed that the maximum Germination rate of index (1.13) was recorded in NM3
followed by (0.70 and 0.39) records in NM2 and NM4 respectively. Whereas the minimum germination rate of the
index (0.24) was noted in NM1 nutrients media.
Germination Index:
The analysis of Variances showed that the germination index was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient media
(Table-2).The results showed that the maximum germination index (21.66) was recorded in NM3followed by (15.33
and 12.00) records in NM4 and NM1respectively. Whereas the minimum Germination index (7.33) was noted
inNM4nutrients media.
Seedling Vigor Index:
The analysis of Variances showed that the Seedling Vigor Index was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media (Table 2). The results showed that the maximum Seedling Vigor Index (14.67) was recorded in NM3 followed
by (9.34 and 4.69) records in NM4 and NM2respectively. Whereas the minimum Seedling Vigor Index (3.02) was
noted in NM1 nutrients media.
Sturdiness Quotient:
The analysis of Variances showed that the Sturdiness Quotient were significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media (Table-2).The results showed that the maximum Sturdiness Quotient (2.03) was recorded in NM3followed by
(1.09 and 0.41) recorded in NM4 and NM2respectively. Whereas the minimum Sturdiness Quotient (0.41) was noted
in NM1 nutrients media.
Plant Height (cm):
The analysis of Variances showed that the plant height was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient media(Table
3).The results showed that the maximum plant height (17.70cm) was recorded in NM3followed by (15.36cm and
11.73cm) records in NM4 and NM2 respectively. Whereas the minimum plant height (12.83cm) was noted in NM1
nutrients media.
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Number of Branches Plant-1
The analysis of Variances showed that the number of branches Plant-1was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of
nutrients media(Table 3).The results showed that the maximum Number of Branches in Plant-1(27.66) was recorded
in NM3followed by (26.00) recorded in NM4respectively. Whereas the minimum Number of Branches in Plant-1(12.66)
was noted in NM1 nutrients media.
Diameter of Shoot (mm):
The analysis of Variances showed that the diameter of shoot (mm) was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media (Table-3). The results showed that the maximum Diameter of Shoot (0.11mm) was recorded in NM3 followed
by (0.07mm and 0.04mm) recorded in NM4 and NM2 respectively. Whereas the minimum Diameter of Shoot
(0.03mm) was noted in NM1nutrients media.
Number of Leaves Branches-1:
The analysis of Variances showed that the number of leaves branches-1was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of
nutrient media(Table-3).The results showed that the maximum Number of leaves in branches-1(65.33) was recorded
in NM3 followed by (52.66 and 45.33) recorded in NM2 and NM4 respectively. Whereas the minimum Number of
leaves in branches-1(35.33) was noted in NM1 nutrients media.
Table 2. Germination Rate of Index (GRI), Germination Index (GI), Seedling Vigor Index (SVI) and Sturdiness
Quotient (SQ) in Acacia under Various Nutrient Media.
Nutrients Media
Germination Rate
of Index (GRI)
Germination
Index (GI)
Seedling Vigor
Index (SVI)
Sturdiness Quotient
(SQ)
NH1Canal Silt
0.24 d
12.00 c
3.02 d
0.41 d
NH2 Canal Silt+FYM (1:1)
0.39 c
7.33 d
4.69 c
0.47 c
NH3 Canal Silt + Rice Husk(1:1)
1.13 a
21.66 a
14.67 a
2.03 a
NH4Canal Silt + Dry leaves (1:1)
0.70 b
15.33 b
9.34 b
1.09 b
SE ±
0.0794
2.582
1.32
0.78
LSD 0.05
0.183
5.9541
3.05
0.33
P-Value
0.0000
0.0034
0.0001
0.0047
F-Value
49.5
10.9
31.1
9.8
CV
0.05
1.82
0.93
0.24
Table 3. Plant height (cm), Number of Branches Plant-1 and Diameter of Shoot (mm) in Acacia under Various Nutrient
Media
Nutrient Media
Plant Height
(cm)
Number of
Branches Plant-1
Diameter of
Shoot (mm)
Number of Leaves Branches-1
NH1Canal Silt
12.83 c
12.66 c
0.03 d
35.33 d
NH2 Canal Silt+FYM (1:1)
11.73 d
12.66 c
0.04 c
52.66 b
NH3 Canal Silt + Rice
Husk(1:1)
17.70 a
27.66 a
0.11 a
65.33 a
NH4Canal Silt + Dry leaves
(1:1)
15.36 b
26.00 b
0.07 b
45.33 c
SE ±
1.5324
1.8257
0.0365
6.7987
LSD 0.05
3.5338
4.2102
0.0158
15.678
P-Value
0.0185
0.0000
0.0035
0.0131
F-Value
6.07
40.4
10.8
6.90
CV
1.08
1.29
0.01
16.77
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Number of Leaves Plant-1:
The analysis of Variances showed that the Number of LeavesPlant-1was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media (Table 4). The results showed that the maximum Number of Leaves in Plant-1(443.33) was recorded in
NM3followed by (348.33 and 248.00) recorded in NM4 and NM2respectively. Whereas the minimum Number of
Leaves Plant-1 (220.0) was noted in NM1 nutrients media.
Length of Leaves (cm):
The analysis of Variances showed that the length of leaves (cm)was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media(Table 4).The results showed that the maximum Length of Leaves(0.53cm) was recorded in NM3=followed by
(0.40 cm and 0.36cm) recorded in NM4 and NM2 .Whereas the minimum Length of Leaves(0.21cm) was noted in
NM1nutrients media.
Width of Leaves (cm):
The analysis of Variances showed that the width of leaves (cm)was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media(Table 4).The results showed that the maximum Width of Leaves(0.30cm) was recorded in NM3followed by
(0.24 cm and 0.21cm) recorded in NM4 and NM2respectively. Whereas the minimum width of leaves (0.19cm) was
noted in NM1 nutrients media.
Root Depth (cm):
The analysis of Variances showed that the root depth (cm) was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient media
(Table 4). The results showed that the maximum Root Depth (26.90cm) was recorded in NM3 followed by (22.83 cm
and 22.76 cm) recorded in NM2 and NM4respectively. Whereas the minimum root depth (12.46cm) was noted in NM1
nutrients media.
Table 4. Number of Leaves Plant-1, Length of Leaves (mm), Width of leaves (mm) and Root Depth (cm) in Acacia
under various nutrient media.
Nutrient Media
Number of
Leaves Plant-1
Length of
leaves (mm)
Width of
leaves(mm)
Root Depth
(cm)
NH1Canal Silt
248.00 c
0.21 d
0.19 d
12.46 d
NH2 Canal Silt+FYM (1:1)
220.00 d
0.36 c
0.21 c
22.83 b
NH3 Canal Silt + Rice Husk(1:1)
443.33 a
0.53 a
0.30 a
26.90 a
NH4Canal Silt + Dry leaves (1:1)
348.33 b
0.40 b
0.24 b
22.76 c
SE ±
24.602
0.0842
0.0448
2.2249
LSD 0.05
56.733
0.1941
0.1034
5.1305
P-Value
0.0001
0.0342
0.1738
0.0011
F-Value
34.2
4.78
2.14
15.30
CV
9.57
27.19
23.21
12.83
Fresh Biomass of Shoot (g):
The analysis of Variances showed that the fresh biomass of shoot (g) was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media(Table 5).The results showed that the maximum Fresh Biomass of Shoot(30.27g) was recorded in NM3followed
by (21.98g and 16.43g) recorded in NM4 and NM2 respectively. Whereas the minimum fresh biomass of shoot
(14.00g) was noted in NM1 nutrients media.
Fresh Biomass of Root (g):
The analysis of Variances showed that the fresh biomass of root (g)was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media(Table 5).The results showed that the maximum Fresh Biomass of Shoot(7.28g) was recorded in NM3 followed
by (6.88g and 4.88g) recorded in NM4 and NM2 respectively. Whereas the minimum fresh biomass of shoot (3.62g)
was noted in NM1 nutrients media.
Dry Biomass of Shoot (g):
The analysis of Variances showed that the dry biomass of shoot (g) was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media (Table 5).The results showed that the maximum dry biomass of shoot (14.15g) was recorded in NM3 followed
by (9.87g and 6.07g) recorded in NM4 and NM2 respectively. Whereas the minimum dry biomass of shoot (4.04g)
was noted in NM1nutrients media.
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Dry Biomass of Root (g):
The analysis of Variances showed that the dry biomass of root (g) was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient
media (Table 5).The results showed that the maximum Dry Biomass of Shoot (3.20g) was recorded in NM3 followed
by (2.10g and 1.94g) recorded in NM4 and NM2 respectively. Whereas the minimum dry biomass of root (0.81g) was
noted in NM1 nutrients media.
Quality Index (QI):
The analysis of Variances showed that the Quality Index (QI) was significant (P<0.05) as an effect of nutrient media
(Table 5).The results showed that maximum Quality Index(0.78) was recorded in NM3 followed by (0.59 and 0.42)
recorded in NM4 and NM2 respectively. Whereas the minimum Quality Index (QI) (0.33) was noted in NM1 nutrients
media.
Table-5 Fresh Biomass of Shoot (g), Fresh Biomass of Root (g), Dry Biomass of Shoot (g), Dry Biomass of Root (g)
and Quality Index (QI) in Acacia under various nutrient media.
Nutrient Media
Fresh
Biomass of
Shoot (g)
Fresh
Biomass of
Root (g)
Dry
Biomass of
Shoot (g)
Dry Biomass
of Root
(g)
Quality Index
(QI)
NH1Canal Silt
14.00 d
3.62 d
4.04 d
0.81 d
0.33 d
NH2 Canal Silt+FYM (1:1)
16.43 c
4.88 c
6.07 c
1.94 c
0.42 c
NH3 Canal Silt + Rice
Husk(1:1)
30.27 a
7.28 a
14.15 a
3.20 a
0.78 a
NH4Canal Silt + Dry leaves
(1:1)
21.98 b
6.88 b
9.87 b
2.10 b
0.59 b
SE ±
2.4404
0.8241
1.23
0.4
0.11
LSD 0.05
5.6275
1.9005
2.85
0.93
0.2537
P-Value
0.0007
0.0067
0.0002
0.0027
0.0156
F-Value
17.5
8.69
26
11.70
6.47
CV
14.46
17.80
17.73
25.51
25.26
DISCUSSION
Successful germination and planting of seedlings is an important step to protect and expand plant communities (de
Melo et al., 2015). An important part of the success of the planting scheme is obtaining sufficiently high-quality
seedlings. However, current studies have shown that growth parameters (germination and growth), as well as the
use of various methods of processing pots and potted plants, take into account the type and size of the plant.
However, current studies show that the maximum height of an Acacia seedling in 3 months found in a plastic bag the
height of seedlings reaches (37 cm) and (136.2 cm) at the age of 8 months. Similarly, the study revealed the greatest
root depth (38.1 cm) and neck diameter (9.5 mm) during T4 treatment (Venkatesh et al., 2002). In plastic bags with a
diameter of 25 cm and 15 cm, the approximate diameter of the neck of a 5-month-old acacia seedling is maximum (7
mm) and is not confirmed by this study. The maximum number of knots (70) is also present in plastic bags with a
diameter of 20 cm and 15 cm. This is because T4 contains a large amount of nutrient medium, which provides a
large amount of nutrients for seedlings (Hossain et al., 2009). In the case of receipt of dry matter, the maximum dry
biomass (26.10 g) and the minimum dry biomass of roots (6.80 g) were also recorded at the same T4. However, the
results also coincided (Venkatesh et al., 2002). The World Health Organization reports that the maximum dry weight
of shoots and roots of 5-month-old acacia seedlings is (6.68 g and 3.42 g) in plastic bags measuring 25 cm and 15
cm, respectively. In addition, it was also found that as the volume of plastic bags increased, so did the value of fresh
and dry ingredients (Who and Consultation, 2003).
As in germination characteristics, sowing depth significantly influenced seedling height and number of emerging
branches of A. senegal seedlings grown on pots filled with different soil substrates. The decline in seedling growth
parameters with increasing sowing depth generally reflects the slow rate of seed germination at increasing depths
which later translates into a retarded seedling growth rate. Generally, sowing depth that promotes the higher
335
J. Agri. Vet. Sci. 03 (2) 2024. 327-336
https://doi.org/10.55627agrivet.003.02.784
germination percent or faster rate of germination allows early seedling establishment and better seedling growth
(Ren et al., 2002).
The result of this study reveals that growing media has no significant effect on the germination characteristics of A.
senegal seeds, however forest soil (M2) yielded better germination percent and completeness in seed germination
than sand (M3) and farm soil (M1). Among the seeds sown in each media at all depths 62.04% of seed germination
was found for seeds sown on M2, 50.93% on M3 and 49.07% on M1. Also PV was found to be higher in M2 followed
by M3. These differences in germination promotion among soil substrates might be related to differences in moisture
holding capacity and soil aeration of the different soil substrates. The composition of M2 with high proportion of forest
soil might have increased the water holding capacity and improved aeration of the soil. Increased availability of
moisture in M2 should have extended imbibition of water by the seeds and improved total germination. Following the
same pattern as in germination characteristics, mean values of seedling height and branch number (averaged across
pretreatments and depth) were higher for seedlings grown on M2 than M3 or M1. Better seedling growth on M2 could
also be the result of better soil physical characteristics (e.g. water holding capacity) and possibly nutrient conditions.
Moreover, M2 (with 3:2:1, forest soil: farm soil: sand proportion) should have provided a better soil porosity, together
with soil moisture and nutrient, that increased seedling growth. According to Elbrese et al. (2003) appropriate
moisture and sufficient aeration are more important for growth performances of seedlings at the early growth stages
than the nutrient levels. Wakjira (2007) observed slow growth of C. macrostachys seedlings grown in soil-dung
mixture with no sand and attributed the slow seedling growth to low porosity and poor drainage conditions of the soil.
In fact variations in growth response to different soil conditions may exist among seedlings of different species. The
result of the present study reveals that A. senegal seedlings preferred forest soil > sand > farm soil for their growth.
Investigated growth of seedlings of three different Acacia species on sand, loam and clay soils. They found out that
A. horrida prefers loam and sandy soils; A. seyal has a similar preference it grows better on sand soils while A.
nubica responded well in sandy and loam soils (Sanchez-Bayo and King, 1994).
CONCLUSION
The summarized result of the data determined that Various Nutrient Media had a positive and significant influence on
the germination growth and development of Acacia. However, based on findings the present study has been
conducting that the germination growth and development of Acacia is better nourished with Various Nutrient Media
such as canal silt + rice husk (1:1).
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
All authors contributed equally to this research.
COMPETING OF INTEREST
The authors declare no competing interests.
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