Effect of Cow Dung Slurry and Termite Mount as Seed Treatment on Germination and Seedling Characteristics of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus L.f)

Abstract

Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. is a highly valued timber species, because of its “heavy, dark -red heartwood,” especially that possessing a ‘wavy’ grain. Propagated through mainly seeds; problem in seed germination because of hard seed coat, so limits poor seed germination production. Current study was carried out to find out best germination for enhancement treatment. The data were then analyzed by the ‘f’ test for significance at 0.05 levels by using statistical software agrees with completely randomized block design. Forest college and research institute Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu agricultural university, one year study. Mature pods collected, were subjected to 4 treatments in 4 replications and the experiment was conducted in completely randomized block design. The results showed that Cow dung slurry 24 h and 72 h resulted more synchronized germination of 51 percent, followed by Cow dung slurry 48 h (44 %) as against 33% in control. Among all the treatment Cow dung slurry 24 h resulted more synchronized germination of 51 percent.