Organic amendments influence growth, buddability and budding success in rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.)

Abstract

The influence of organic amendments [cocopeat, vermicompost, farmyard manure (FYM) and neem cake] in growing media on growth and buddability of rough lemon seedlings was studied. Cocopeat and vermicompost improved seed germination. The growing media having cocopeat or vermicompost and FYM were more effective than cocopeat alone in increasing the growth, buddability and budding success. Poor seed germination and growth were recorded in media with neem cake. Greatest seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area and root–shoot ratio were recorded with soil+FYM+cocopeat (2:1:1). Soil+FYM+cocopeat (2:1:1) also resulted in the highest proportion of early buddable seedlings (85.9%) and budding success (93.2%). Cocopeat and vermicompost have the potential to improve the proportion of Kinnow mandarin plants ready for sale within 1 year of sowing rootstock seed.