Germination behavior of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seeds in bagasse fly ash incorporated medium

Abstract

Germination and growth performance of Azadirachta indica seedlings were evaluated in a range of growth media with and without bagasse fly ash as a component. The results revealed that the highest germination of 97 per cent was recorded in seeds sown in bagasse fly ash + sand + farm yard manure 2:1:1 ratio followed by seeds sown in bagasse fly ash + red earth + farm yard manure 2:1:1 ratio (88 per cent). The lowest was recorded in sand medium (78 per cent). Seeds sown in red earth registered highest root length (13.30 cm) and dry matter production (0.93g/5seedling). The results on seedling vigour were reflected a similar trend as for germination. From this experiment, it could be concluded that among the different media evaluated for germination test, bagasse fly ash mixed with sand or red earth along with farm yard manure 2: 1:1 ratio found to the best in terms of germination and initial seedling vigour of Azadirachta indica.