Growth Response of Sandalwood (Santalum Album L.) Seedlings to Different Potting Mixtures and Host Plants in Northwestern India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ija.2026.28.02.04Keywords:
Hemiparasitic host, nursery management, potting media, sandalwood, seedling qualityAbstract
Santalum album L., a hemiparasitic tree, requires a compatible host association for optimal growth, particularly during the nursery stage. Five primary host species viz. Alternanthera sessilis (T₁), Casuarina equisetifolia (T₂), Lawsonia inermis (T₃), Mimosa pudica (T₄), Cajanus cajan (T₅), and a control without host (T₆) under two potting mixtures viz. S₁ (Soil: Sand: FYM-2:2:1) and S₂ (Soil: FYM-2:1), were selected. The experiment was conducted in a factorial completely randomized design with three replications, each comprising five seedlings. Host seeds/cuttings were introduced when sandalwood seedlings were transplanted into hyco trays from the nursery bed. Key morphological parameters were recorded monthly from 60 days after transplanting, while root traits and seedling quality indices were assessed at the termination of the experiment. Results demonstrated that S₁ significantly enhanced shoot growth and seedling survival, whereas S₂ promoted better root development and improved seedling quality indices. Among the hosts, T₅ showed the highest survival (85%), maximum seedling height (21.03 cm) and root length (34.7 cm), while T₁ recorded the highest shoot and root collar diameter (3.00 mm and 3.99 mm, respectively), number of leaves (15.3), and total dry biomass accumulation (1.97 g). Consequently, T₁ and T₅ had similar DQI values, followed by T₄. However, T₁ recorded the lowest SI, indicating a sturdier seedling. The interaction showed a statistically significant effect on survival rate, root length, and root collar diameter, while it showed non-significant effects for other parameters. Thus, S1+ T₅ or S1 + T₁ combinations are recommended for producing well-balanced, vigorous, and high-quality sandalwood seedlings. Results also highlights that Alternanthera sessilis, a non-leguminous species, can serve as an effective alternative to the traditionally used leguminous host Cajanus cajan.
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