Effects of seed size and potting media on the growth of Dialium guineense (black velvet tamarind) seedlings

Abstract

Studies were conducted in the screen house to evaluate the most appropriate seed size and potting source for the growth of Dialium guineense. Trial involving three seed sizes (small, medium and large) and three potting media (rice husk (Rh), decomposed oil palm refuse bunch (OPRB) and rice husk mixed with OPRB (1:1) (OPRB +Rh) were combined in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement fitted into completely randomized design to grow D. guineense. The parameters assessed were plant height, number of leaves, number of nodes, stem girth, canopy diameter, dry weight of shoot and root. Results showed that large seed sizes performed best particularly in plant height (11.68 cm), number of leaves (9.51) and dried shoot weight (0.41 g). Potting medium containing sole rice husk had the best growth of D. guineense seedlings except in dried root weight. The interactions between seed sizes and potting sources revealed that large seeds of D. guineenses own in a mixture of rice husk and oil palm refuse bunch (1:1) performed better in number of leaves (10.22), plant height (12 .3 7 cm), shoot weight (0.48 g) and stem girth (0.25 cm). Large seeds sown in rice husk is highly preferred as rice husk enhances aeration and better root development.