Sturdiness Quotient Research Articles

The Effect of Seed Size on Germination and Seedling Growth in Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.)

The quantity and quality of seedlings in the nursery has an impact on the success of re-establishment and later growth. High germination rates enable a sufficient number of seedlings, and their quality is assessed using a number of parameters, including seedling height and root collar diameter. These parameters are influenced in some species by seed size, but the correlation between them is species-specific. The model species in this research was sweet chestnut (Castaneasativa Mill.), and seeds from 12 populations from two distinct biogeographical regions of Croatia were collected. We examined the influence of seed size on four parameters: germination rate, seedling height, root collar diameter and sturdiness quotient. Seed size has been shown to have a positive influence on both seedling height and root collar diameter, whereas no such correlation was noted for germination rate and sturdiness quotient. Significant differences in nut size and seedling growth parameters were found between the Mediterranean and continental populations, with higher values observed in the coastal Mediterranean populations. We concluded that seed origin and seed size have a significant impact on seedling growth and are important factors to consider when choosing seed material. Further nursery operations should consider seed origin and local environmental conditions when choosing seedlings for reforestation efforts and general forest operations.

Effect of Potting Media on Growth and Quality parameters of <i>Juniperus polycarpos</I> C. Koch Seedlings under Nursery Condition

A trial was conducted to study the effect of different potting media on the growth performance of Juniperus polycarpos under nursery condition. One year old seedlings of J. polycarpos raised in germination beds were transplanted in polybags filled with different combination of potting media with seven treatments comprising various combinations of soil, sand and farmyard manure and five replication in completely randomized design to study their effect on seedling growth and quality parameters. Significant differences were observed in shoot length, collar diameter, root length, number of roots, root and shoot biomass of J. polycarpos seedlings raised in different potting media. Maximum growth of various seedling parameters viz., shoot length (58.80cm), collar diameter (6.98mm), root length (55.24cm), number of roots (58.53) was recorded in treatment T 7 i. e. Soil + Sand + FYM (1:1:1) where as minimum growth of various seedling parameters was recorded in treatment T 1 i.e. nursery soil. Maximum fresh shoot biomass (32.35 g seedlings -1 ) was recorded in treatment T 4 , whereas fresh root biomass (9.08 g seedlings -1 ) and total fresh biomass (40.85g seedlings -1 ) was recorded in treatment T 7 . Maximum dry shoot biomass (17.33 g seedlings -1 ) was recorded in treatment T 5 whereas dry root biomass (4.60 g seedlings -1 ) and total dry biomass (21.86g seedlings -1 ) was recorded in treatment T 7 . Maximum value of various seedling quality parameters viz., root shoot ratio (0.27), volume index (2864.75) and Quality index (1.79) was also observed in seedling grown in treatment T 7 and whereas least value of sturdiness quotient (8.40) was observed in treatment T 1 (nursery soil) which is at par with treatment T 7 . The study recommended raising of seedlings of J. polycarpos in soil, sand and farm yard manure (1:1:1) for production of quality nursery stock.

Nursery growth performance of aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) in terai zone of west bengal

Agarwood is an economically important native tree species of sub-tropical-tropical rainforests of northeast India. The species is included in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This study was carried out in the Department of Forestry during 2015–2018. The aim of this investigation was to measure the variability of seed traits. Field survey was carried out across the population of Aquilaria malaccensis throughout Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, West Bengal and Tripura to select well represented nineteen seed sources viz. Basistha, Ganakpokhari, Hathipara, Hmarveng, Hybergyon, Islam nagar, Kumar ghat, Lanka, Lonigodam, Nagariborline, Naharani, Namti, Nazari, Nelbagan, Newdiakkawan, Rajabhatkhawa, Sephizala, Sukhana and Thikau. Nursery and field level study was carried out each respective seed source were raised in Randomized Block Design to assess growth performance w.r.t Plant height (cm), Collar Diameter (mm), Root length (cm), Fresh weight leaf (g), Fresh Weight of shoot (g), Fresh weight of root (g), Dry weight of leaf (g), Dry weight of shoot (g), Dry weight of root (g), Sturdiness Quotient (SQ), Dickson Quality Index (DQI), Volume index (cm.mm2), Total biomass (g), were recorded range respectively 40.03–47.23 cm, 4.856.72mm, 19.57–23.91cm, 3.43–5.68g,4.05–5.81g,2.01–3.18g, 0.96–1.89g, 0.83–1.70g, 0.76–0.96g, 7.55–8.58(SQ), 1.342.2 (DQI), 972.89–2132.83 cm.mm2 2.58–4.25g, were recorded Significant variations (p < 0.05).

New compostable tubes for the production of high quality seedlings of three species of Mimosa spp

Obtaining high-quality native species seedlings and sustainable alternatives for seedling production are currently some of the bottlenecks for successful restoration plantings in degraded ecosystems. This study evaluated the survival and vigor of seminal seedlings of Mimosa flocculosa, M. micropteris and M. incana, produced in three containers (110 cm3 and 55 cm3 polypropylene tubes and 58 cm3 SISBGC type biocompostable container) for ecological restoration purposes in the phytogeographic region of Mixed Ombrophilous Forest. Survival, total height, stem diameter, shoot and root dry biomass, sturdiness quotient, Dickson's quality index and technical efficiency were evaluated. Survival percentages were higher for the three Mimosa species throughout all evaluations and in the three containers, with an average over 95 %, demonstrating the viability of the seedling production protocol used. Although the 110 cm3 tube favored larger seedling growth, especially in M. flocculosa, the SISBGC tube showed similar efficiency for M. micropteris and M. incana. We conclude that a good performance in the nursery, associated with the bio-decomposition characteristics, makes SISBGC an excellent alternative for producing native seedlings for ecological restoration purposes.

Quality of Scots pine, European beech and pedunculate oak grown from sowing on soil with different compaction levels

Abstract In this study, we explore the effect of soil compaction on the growth of seedlings of Scots pine Pinus sylvestris L., European beech Fagus sylvatica L. and pedunculate oak Quercus robur L. On the experimental plots, ground contact pressures ranging from 0 to 250 kPa was applied on the soil. The applied pressure resulted in an increase in soil compaction between 1.02 to 1.19 g cm–3, which reflected pressures exerted by the undercarriage of vehicles used in logging. We then measured the seedlings as well as the dry weight of the roots and the above-ground parts. Using this data, we calculated the following quality indicators for each seedling: SQ – sturdiness quotient, S/R – shoot to root dry mass, DQI – Dickson quality index. For pedunculate oak, the SQ value significantly improved with increasing soil compaction, whereas no differences in the other two indicators were observed. In case of the European beech, the best value of SQ and DQI were observed at a soil density of 1.11 g cm–3, whilst no significant difference for the S/R coefficient could be found. Completely different results were obtained for Scots pine. The most favorable growth was observed when no pressure was applied. However, the SQ and S/R ratios even exceeded the values commonly considered acceptable. Our results therefore indicate that the values of seedling quality indicators are indeed influenced by soil compaction. At a soil compaction of 1.11 g cm–3, the share of seedlings with the SQ value below the critical level was the highest, but a similar relationship could not be confirmed for the other indicators. The response of the seedlings to compaction is likely to be species specific.

Effect of substrate formulations on seedlings of Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntz, a critically endangered species from Southern Brazil

Araucaria angustifolia, vulgarmente conhecida como araucária ou pinheiro do Paraná, é uma espécie de planta ameaçada de extinção, nativa do sul do Brasil. O cultivo desta espécie é uma abordagem importante para reduzir o desmatamento assegurando a geração de renda. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de diferentes formulações de substrato no crescimento, qualidade e teores de clorofila de mudas de araucária em um sistema conjugado substrato/recipiente, como uma abordagem para promover a propagação e o cultivo da espécie. As sementes foram semeadas em quatro composições diferentes de substrato: F73 (casca de pínus, fibra de casca de coco, fertilizante de liberação lenta [FLL] e fertilizantes fosfatados), F55 (casca de pínus, fibra de casca de coco [em maior proporção que em F73], FLL e fertilizantes fosfatados), T55 (casca de pínus, turfa nacional, FLL e fertilizantes fosfatados) e CC55 (casca de pínus, turfa de esfagno, palha de arroz, FLL e fertilizantes fosfatados). As mudas foram mantidas em uma área de viveiro em um sistema conjugado substrato/recipiente, com irrigação manual. Após 180 dias da semeadura, as mudas foram avaliadas quanto à altura, diâmetro de coleto, áreas foliares e radiculares, massa seca de brotações e raízes e teores de clorofilas a, b e clorofilas totais. O quociente de robustez e o índice de qualidade de Dickson (IQD) também foram calculados com base nas variáveis ​​biométricas. Os substratos F73 e CC55 promoveram maior crescimento de altura e diâmetro de coleto em comparação com outros substratos. Outras variáveis ​​relacionadas ao crescimento e qualidade das mudas e aos níveis de clorofila não diferiram em função dos substratos. A massa seca de raiz e massa seca total foram correlacionadas positivamente com o IQD. O diâmetro do coleto apresentou alta correlação positiva com a altura, a massa seca da parte aérea e a massa seca total das mudas de A.angustifolia.

Saçlı meşe (Quercus cerris L.)’nin fidan kalitesi üzerinde tüp boyutu ve kökçük kırmanın etkisi

This aim of this study was to assess the effect of container size and radicle pruning at the time sowing on seedling quality in Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.), which are among the preferred species in afforestation studies in arid and semi-arid regions in our country. In the study, some morphological (root collar diameter, height, shoot and root dry weight, shoot:root ratio, number of main roots, number of lateral roots, sturdiness ratio etc.) and physiological (shoot and root total carbohydrate content, root growing potential) characteristics were determined in 1+0 year old seedling grown in four different polybag sizes (11x22 cm, 12x25 cm, 14x35 cm and 18x30 cm) with or without radicle pruning. According to the results, the container size had significant effect on the seedling quality, except for the number of main roots and stem total carbohydrate content. The radicle pruning did not affect the shoot: root ratio, the number of lateral roots greater than 1 mm in diameter, the sturdiness quotient (seedling height:diameter ratio), the stem total carbohydrate content and the root growing potential. The root collar diameter, height, shoot dry weight, main, lateral and total root dry weight increased with increasing polybags size with radicle pruning. Radicle pruning increased number of main roots, but the root percentage and root total carbohydrate content were decreased. Seedling grown in the largest polybags had greater diameter, taller, heavier, higher the number of lateral branches and the number of lateral roots.

Effects of root undercutting, fertilization and thinning on seedling growth and quality of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) seedlings

In this study, the effects of root undercutting, fertilization and thinning applications on the morphological characteristics of oriental beech seedlings grown in Karadağ Forest Nursery were investigated. In 2+0 years old seedlings, the effects of treatments including by making root undercutting and thinning (A) and by giving 50 g of ammonium nitrate fertilizer per m2 addition to thinning (B) in July were examined. Moreover, quality classes of seedlings were determined on the basis of treatments. According to the result of this study, significant differences were found between the morphological characteristics of the seedlings depending on the treatments. It was determined that while there is a statistical significance in terms of seedling length, sturdiness quotient, the number of side branches, shoot and root fresh weight, shoot and root dry weight, shoot dry weight/root dry weight, root percentage, Dickson quality index, there is no significance in terms of root collar diameter, fresh seedling weight, dry seedling weight in 2+0 years old seedlings. According to Turkish Standards Institute's deciduous seedling standard (TS 5624/21.03.1988) prepared in March 1988, 48.8% of A treatment and 76.7% of B treatment and 78.9% of the control group were found to be Class I. According to Dickson quality index, the quality index values of seedlings in 2+0 A, 2+0 B and control were determined as and 1.05, 0.74 and 0.68 respectively. In determination of Dickson quality index value, using of important parameters used for determination of seedling quality is important in terms of obtaining more accurate results.

Tree shelters facilitate brown oak seedling survival and establishment in a grazing‐dominant forest of Bhutan, Eastern Himalaya

Brown oak (Quercus semecarpifolia) forest is essential for ecological and socioeconomic functions, mainly grazing in the Himalayas. The tree has failed to regenerate naturally and is a threatened species. Restoration of brown oaks is crucial to ensure sustainability while maintaining livestock grazing in these habitats. Achieving this requires cost‐effective restoration techniques that are practicable and sympathetic to the multiple uses of the forest. We assessed the combined effect of grazing (control) and three tree shelters (Protex tubes, mesh wires, and wooden frames) on the field performance of oak seedlings in a forest with heavy grazing pressure. Seedling survival and morphological indicators, including seedling height, collar diameter, sturdiness quotient (SQ), and leaf mass per area (LMA) indices, were measured. More than 90% of control seedlings without protective shelters suffered severe browsing and demonstrated significantly lower survival rates compared to tree shelter seedlings, indicating that grazing was the primary factor governing regeneration success. Seedling survival in tree shelters was three times higher, while the height increase was two times higher than the control. Additionally, locally made mesh wire and wooden tree shelters were more effective than Protex and control in producing quality seedlings reflected by the SQ and LMA values. We suggest that tree shelter is a promising option to restore brown oaks due to its efficacy to defend grazing and support the local community's rights to forest grazing. Our finding is expected to support Bhutan's forest policy of incorporating grazing and tree regeneration into forest management.

Supply of Compost and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi for Enhancing Quality of Ceiba pentandra (Kapok Tree) Seedlings

The success of reforestation depends on the production of quality seedlings in nurseries. Initial fertilization and mycorrhization are determinants that improve the growth of plants. The purpose of this study was to improve the quality of Ceiba pentandra seedlings using fertilization and mycorhization in nurseries. Seedlings of C. pentandra were subjected to various treatments (T1: Sterilized forest soil (100 %), T2: 90 % T1 + sterilized mycorrhizal inoculum (10 %); T3: 90 % T1 + mycorrhizal inoculum (10 %); T4: 90 % T1 + compost (10 %); T5: 80 % T1 + mycorrhizal inoculum (10 %) + compost (10 %)). The results showed an increase of 117.35 % in the dry stem weight of young Ceiba pentandra mycorrhizae (T3) seedlings compared to non-mycorrhizae (T2) seedlings. Growth parameters, roots, total leaf area were better with the treatment combining mycorrhization and compost application. Furthermore, the sturdiness quotient was identical for all substrates. Seedlings of Ceiba pentandra are highly dependent on mycorrhization. For rapid production of quality seedlings, fertilization could be coupled with mycorrhization.

Effect of inorganic, organic and Biofertilizers on growth characteristics of Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth at seedling stage

The study entitled “Effect of inorganic, organic and biofertilizers on growth characteristics of Albizzia lebbeck (L.) Benth at seedling stage” was conducted in research plots of faculty of forestry, BAU, Ranchi during the session 2018-2019. The nursery layout was made according to the requirements of the study. The study was conducted for time period of 6 months. The various treatment compositions were made by using inorganic, organic and biofertilizers with various levels. The seed characteristics were studied before sowing into the polybag. The germination, growth and quality parameters of Albizzia lebbeck under the influence of various treatments were studied. The growth parameters showed variation among the treatment combinations. Albizzia lebbeck seedlings under influence of applied treatment combinations showed that maximum was in PSB and Urea (40.73 cm), maximum was in PSB and Urea (29.10 cm), maximum was in Brady rhizobium japonicum and Karanj cake (5.07 mm). The quality parameters were found to be significantly different between treatments Albizzia lebbeck seedlings under influence of applied treatment combinations showed that maximum was in treatment containing sole Urea (1.29),vigour index (V.I) of Albizzia lebbeck seedlings under influence of applied treatment combinations showed that maximum was in treatment in PSB and Urea combination (6486.65),sturdiness quotient (S.Q) of Albizzia lebbeck seedlings under influence of applied treatment combinations showed that maximum was in PSB and Urea combination (8.95) and Dickson quality index (Q.I) of Albizzia lebbeck seedlings under influence of applied treatment combinations showed that maximum was in Brady rhizobium japonicum(1.92). The available nitrogen was found maximum in treatment combinations of Brady rhizobium japonicum and Karanj cake (T7) i.e. 371.2 kgha-1. While available phosphorous was found maximum in treatment combinations of PSB and Urea (T8) i.e. 37.83 Kgha-1.

Porównanie parametrów wzrostowych i przydatności hodowlanej jednorocznych sadzonek buka zwyczajnego (Fagus sylvatica L.)

The aim of the study was to compare the growth parameters and the indicators of seedlings’ breeding usefulness assessment depending on their quality class, which was determined on the basis of the requirements of the Polish standard PN-R-67025 (1999). The research material consisted of European beech seedlings grown in controlled conditions, which were divided into three quality classes (“class I”, “class II”, and “classless”). The seed lings belonging to individual classes differed significantly in their growth parameters, with the exception of the length of the root system, and the highest values were characteristic of quality class I. The breeding usefulness assessment indicators did not fully confirm this rule. The average value of the Dickson quality index (DQI) indicated that class I seedlings would be the most suitable for planting, but for the sturdiness quotient (SQ) no significant difference was obtained, and the classless seedlings had the best root-shoot ratio (S/R). The obtained results indicate that some classless seedlings can be used for planting in a forest plantation despite the failure to meet the minimum values of growth traits contained in the PN-R-67025 standard used by the State Forests. Our research also suggests that in the assessment of the quality of planting material, as an element complementing the dimensional classification, we can include indicators of breeding suitability (SQ, S/R, and DQI).

Effects of some nitrogen-fixing plants on seedling growth of scotch

Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for plants, and some plants are involved in the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to organic form. These plants are capable of nitrogen fixing by bacteria in their roots and are important in alleviating nitrogen deficiency and improving soil. The objective of this research is to determine the growth differences in Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings grown together with some nitrogen-fixing species. The study was conducted in The Research and Application Greenhouse at Faculty of Forestry, Karadeniz Technical University. Alnus glutinosa, Robinia pseudoacacia and Vicia sativa were selected as nitrogen-fixing species. Seeds were sown, by different sowing combinations, in special sowing crates in November. For 1-year-old scotch pine seedlings after the first growing period, seedling length, root collar diameter and sturdiness quotient were determined. The results indicated that while the average length of Pinus sylvestris seedlings sown alone was 3.36 cm, the average length of the seedlings belonging to Pinus sylvestris+Vicia sativa combination reached 6.84 cm. Similarly, mean root collar diameter was 0.47 mm greater in the Pinus sylvestris+Vicia sativa sowing combination. The use of higher quality seedlings obtained through sowing combination of Pinus sylvestris+Vicia sativa can be advantageous in areas where there is a ground cover problem or the use of quality seedlings is required because of extreme conditions in terms of altitude, climate and soil.

Growth and quality of Brazilian pine tree seedlings as affected by container type and volume

Abstract Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Kuntze (Araucariaceae), commonly known as araucaria and Brazilian pine tree, can be grown for their edible pine nuts (pinhões), medicinal properties, and ornamental purposes. The aim was to assess the shoot and root growth and the overall quality of A. angustifolia seedlings grown in containers with different sizes, shapes and composition. Seeds were sowed in five containers: I – 126cm3 polypropylene cone-tainers (small cone-tainers); II – 290cm3 cone-tainers (large cone-tainers); III – 879cm3 polyethylene black bags; IV- 275 cm3 nonwoven fabric (TNT) containers (small TNT container) and; 493 cm3 nonwoven fabric (TNT) containers (large TNT container). Seedlings were evaluated 210 days after sowing, regarding the following variables: aboveground height (cm), root collar diameter (mm), shoot dry mass (g), roots dry mass (g), total dry mass (g), leaf area (cm2), roots area (cm2), roots volume (cm3), sturdiness quotient, root-shoot ratio and Dickson quality index. Height was superior for seedlings grown in the plastic bags (27.6 cm) and the large TNT containers (27.02 cm) when compared to the small and large cone-tainers (21.75 and 21.78 cm, respectively). Plastic bags also presented greater values of root-collar diameter, shoots, roots and total biomass and Dickson Quality index. Small and large TNT containers promoted lower root area and volume when compared to large polyethylene cone-tainers, but allowed for the same or better aboveground growth. Taking all results analyzed together, the polyethylene black bag promoted better growth and quality of Brazilian pine tree seedlings in comparison to the other containers.

Morphology and Genetic Diversity of Jabon Putih Seedling from 4 Populations in Sumatra, Nusa Kambangan, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi

Jabon putih (Neolamarckia cadamba) is a widely distributed potential fast-growing species and is thought to be associated with extensive genetic diversity. The aim of the research was to assess the morphological and genetic variation of jabon putih seedling based on AFLP markers. Randomized block design with 4 replications was used to assess seedling morphological variation on 31 families from 4 populations (Kapuas, Kampar, Nusa Kambangan, Pomalaa) based on traits of seedling height, diameter, sturdiness quotient, number of leaves, leaf length, and leaf width at nursery. AFLP Analysis System I Kit by using dry leaf samples from each family was used. Characteristics of jabon putih seedlings had variation among populations and families within population. Genetic variation within population based on morphological traits had the similar trend with result of AFLP analysis. The highest genetic variation was detected in Kapuas population, followed by Pomalaa, Nusa Kambangan, and Kampar populations. Cluster analysis and UPGMA method had 2 cluster and put down most of families from Kapuas in one cluster separated from other families. Based on the genetic similarity analysis, 26 families could be considered as potential families for the establishment of breeding populations. The study has important practical implications for genetic resources management and for future breeding programs of jabon putih.

Genetic diversity in the growth of white jabon (Neolamarckia cadamba) provenance-progeny test: Comparing study in the nursery and field

Abstract. Sudrajat DJ, Yulianti, Danu, Rustam E, Suwandhi I. 2019. Genetic diversity in the growth of white jabon (Neolamarckia cadamba) provenance-progeny test: Comparing study in the nursery and field. Biodiversitas 20: 1325-1332. Results of the provenance-progeny test in seedling and field test of white jabon (Neolamarckia cadamba) at Parung Panjang, Bogor District, West Java Province, Indonesia are reported and discussed. Twelve provenances representing 105 families were tested in nursery and field using randomized complete block design. Seedling height, root collar diameter, sturdiness quotient, shoot dry weight, root dry weight and shoot-root ratio was measured at four months, while as the growth assessment was carried out on survival, height and stem diameter at the age of 2 and 4 years. The result showed that genetic variation was found to be higher among families within provenances than the variation among provenances for all parameters indicating the family effect had the highest contribution on the growth and survival. Based on family and provenance mean, most of the seedling parameters were significantly correlated with the others, but most of seedling parameters were not significantly correlated with plant growth at 2 and 4 years. The longitudinal cline was significantly correlated with shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and shoot-root ratio indicated that the white jabon seeding parameters in natural populations may have greater in humid (higher precipitation) than in drier locations. This was likely to suggest that the family or provenance selections based on seedling growth in the nursery may not be very effective because heritability of most growth variables is likely to be low.

Quality of tree seedlings produced in nurseries in Malawi: an assessment of morphological attributes

Survival of planted trees in Malawi is very low and this is attributed to many factors including the use of poor quality tree seedlings. A survey was conducted to assess the quality of tree seedlings produced by various nurseries. The survey covered 55 nurseries in four districts in central Malawi comprising 18 private, 26 communal and 11 institutional nurseries. A total of 1,500 tree seedlings were assessed for morphological attributes i.e. root collar diameter (RCD), height, root and shoot weight, shoot-to-root ratio (S:R), sturdiness quotient, Dickson’s Quality Index (DQI) and root deformity. Differences between the three nursery types were significant (p < 0.05) for some of the parameters. Overall, 33%, 58% and 67% of assessed seedlings in communal, institutional and private nurseries, respectively, had the recommended S:R ratio of less than 2, while for sturdiness quotient, 8%, 67%, and 58%, respectively, of the seedlings had less than the recommended threshold value of 6. A similar pattern was observed for RCD and DQI. Prevalence of root deformities was highest in institutional nurseries (47.5%), followed by private (45.5%) and communal nurseries had the lowest (42.6%). Given that all three nursery types have apparent, but sometimes different seedling quality issues, building knowledge and technical capacity is needed across all the nursery operators.

Assessing the Role of Quality Thresholds on Early Performance of Tree Seedlings Planted on Degraded Highlands

The present study highlights the effect of seedling quality on the resultant early performance of our planted tree seedlings. Four priority species tree seedlings: Cordia africana, Casuarina equisetifolia, Cupressus lusitania and Grevillia robusta were raised in the nursery using recommended substrate mixes of ratio (3% top soil: 2% manure: 1% sand). Seedlings were then sorted in to sturdiness quotient classes: quotient class one (I) comprising height to collar diameter ratio less than 6 and quotient class two (II) height to collar diameter ratio greater than 6 to compare early growth and survival among species and evaluate the significance of correlations between quotient categories and tree growth parameters on the degraded highlands of Yerer, Ethiopia. Two factor RCBD with three replications was used as an experimental design to handle eight factor combinations that resulted from four species types and two quotient classes. ANOVA indicated significant difference among tree species tested in the study area in terms of survival and early growth performances at P=0.05. Casuarina equisetifolia though its height and diameter performance in varying quotient categories was not statistically different it was found a priority species to establish plantation in the study area. The correlations between quotient categories and growth parameters were found statistically non-significant at P=0.05. Cupressus lusitanica and Grevellia robusta followed in the priority list to best adapt the site though the observed differences were not attributed to the anticipated variation in sturdiness quotient. Thus, the study results revealed that sturdiness quotient plays lower predictive role in early growth performances and survival of planted seedlings and it was found out to be a less rigorous quality parameter.

Morphological Diversity of Fruits, Seeds and Seedlings of Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre) in Java Island

Pongamia ( Pongamia pinnata ( L. ) Pierre ) is one of a potential tree species to produce biodiesel. Pongamia-based biodiesel development program is still constrained by the availability of quality and quantity seeds due to the limited of seed sources. The purpose of this research was to identify the morphological diversity of fruits, seeds and seedlings from 5 populations in Java Island. Randomized completely design and randomized block design were used to assess the difference of fruits, seeds and seedlings morphological characteristics among populations. Principal component and hierarchy cluster analysis were used to explain variation pattern among populations. The results showed that the difference of populations was significantly affected by the difference of fruits, seeds, and seedlings morphology of pongamia. Seeds from Carita population showed good quality seed indicators with moisture content of 19.31%, and germination capacity of 74.50%. Sturdiness quotient of the seedling was 10.78. Contribution of genetic factor was higher than environtment factor is relation to the differences of morphological characteristics of fruits, seeds and seedlings of pongamia. Morphological character of the five populations can be divided into 3 groups, i.e. the first group of Batukaras and Kebumen, second group of Alas Purwo and Baluran, and group 3 was Carita.

Size of Containers in the Production of Flamboyant Seedlings

The size of the container can affect the quality of the seedlings and, there is no recommendation of containers for the formation of flamboyant seedlings [Delonix regia (Bojerex Hook.) Raf]. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the production of flamboyant seedlings in different container sizes, besides performing trail analysis to identify the growth variables that characterize the quality of these seedlings. The experimental design was a randomized block design with seven container sizes (13 × 13 cm, 15 × 15 cm, 13 × 20 cm, 15 × 25 cm, 17 × 22 cm, 17 × 30 cm or 30 × 40 cm), with four replicates. Each experimental unit was composed of five containers, totaling 20 containers per treatment. The plant height, stem base diameter, number of leaves and the sturdiness quotient were measured at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 days after emergence (DAE), and at 100 DAE were also measured the root volume, root dry matter, shoot dry matter, total dry matter, shoot/root dry matter ratio and Dickson quality index (DQI). The flamboyant seedlings have better grow when cultivated in polyethylene bags with size of 30 × 40 cm. The collar diameter, root volume, root dry matter, shoot dry matter and total dry matter are the most adequate variables to indicate the quality of flamboyant seedlings. However, because it is a rapid, simple and non-destructive measurement variable, the root collar diameter is more adequate to identify high-quality flamboyant seedlings.