Identification of Low-Cost Potting Mixture for Propagation of Betel (Piper Betle L.)

Abstract

Betel (Piper betle L.) is a popular intercrop with coconut in Kurunegala and Gampaha districts, cultivated primarily as a cash crop. Growers often use potted betel plants for transplanting to ensure the selection of high-quality, vigorous plants. The traditional potting mixture for betel includes top soil(TS), sand(S), cattle manure(CM) and coir dust(CD) in equal parts. However, due to the high cost and limited availability of sand and coir dust, using partially burned paddy husk as a substitute is a more economical option. A study was carried to find out the low-cost potting mixture using combination of potting materials. Seven treatments comprised combinations of top soil, sand, cattle manure, coir dust, and partially burned paddy husk (PBPH).. The poly bags were filled with a plotting mixture and three nodal cuttings were planted. A propagator was used to raise the plants for 21 days. Then the small plants were kept in 70% shade. According to the results, the highest root dry weights were observed in T2(TS:CM:S:CD:PBPH 2:1:1:1:3) treatment and T7 (TS:CM:PBPH, 1:1:3)treatments. The highest shoot dry weight was observed in T4 (TS:CM:S:CD:PBPH 2:1:1/2:1:1)treatment. The highest shoot length was observed in T4 treatment. The highest number of leaves was observed in T4 treatment. Therefore treatments, T2 ,T4 and T7 can be recommended for the betel propagation. Cost of a plant in the T2, T4 and T7 treatments were Rs11.5, Rs13.50, Rs 9.30 respectively were lower than the cost of the conventional potting mixture Rs18.00.