Randomized trial evaluates germination and growth of Carnegiea gigantea seedlings with varying coconut coir ratios, suggesting optimal substrate mix.
Key Points
This research aims to determine the optimal proportion of coconut coir in substrates for the germination and early growth of Carnegiea gigantea seedlings.
Experiment conducted with five treatments of coconut coir ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%)
Seed germination tested in standard sandy loam soil under controlled greenhouse conditions
Parameters measured include germination percentage, seedling height, root length, and fungal infection levels over 90 days.
T2 (50% coir) showed the highest average germination rate at 84% and best seedling height and root development.
T1 (25% coir) performed significantly better than the control (0% coir).
T4 (100% coir) had poor outcomes due to overmoisture and high fungal infections, resulting in a 40% germination rate.