Role of external nutrient supply in establishing host-sandalwood interactions

Abstract

Sandalwood is semi root parasite plants that required host plant for water and nutrients. So, for successful sandalwood plantation, it is important to study the host parasite interactions and role of external supply of water and nutrient, both theoretically and practically. To find out long-term host species for sandalwood, a randomized block design experiment was conducted to identify the suitability of host and effect of externally supplied nutrient medium on sandalwood planted with five selected host (Alternanthera sp., Azadirachata indica, Dalbergia sissoo, Melia dubia, and Aquilaria malaccensis) and without host species. After 180 days of establishment, morphological traits were recorded and noted that plant height, collar diameter and root length was higher in Dalbergia sissoo and Melia dubia as compared to other host species. Significant enhancement in morphological traits was recorded with external supply of Hoagland nutrient medium. Similarly, higher shoot biomass and root biomass were noted in Dalbergia sissoo and Melia dubia under control as well as with externally supplied nutrient medium. While, maximum haustorial connections were formed with Dalbergia sissoo over studied host species. On the other hand physiological trait such as chlorophyll content was abundant in sandalwood grown with Dalbergia sissoo. Physiological parameters such photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate were higher in sandalwood cultivated with Dalbergia sissoo. Macronutrient such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content was also higher in Dalbergia sissoo and Melia dubia. The results revealed that sandalwood could be grown successfully with Dalbergia sissoo and external supply of nutrients might enhance the growth and physiology of sandalwood.