Effect of Sulfuric Acid Scarification followed by Organic Mulching for Papaya Seedling Growth and Development, in Pot Culture

Abstract

A major obstacle to the development of papaya seeds is the aril, or sarcotesta, which is present in papaya and results in low and sluggish germination. Hence sulfuric acid was applied in order to evaluate its scarifying effect and materials like rice bran, wood chips and saw dust were used as organic mulching material for further facilitating the process of seed germination. The experiment was consisted of seven treatments and each treatment had 3 replications. The treatments were T1 (sulphuric acid scarification for 1 min + Saw dust mulching), T2 (sulphuric acid scarification for 1 min + Wood chips), T3 (sulphuric acid scarification for 1 min + Rice bran mulching), T4 (sulphuric acid scarification for 30 sec + Saw dust), T5 (sulphuric acid scarification for 30 sec + Wood chips), T6 (scarification for 30 sec + Rice bran) and T7 control (water). Experiment was carried on completely randomized design. Total leaf count and their length, number of rootlets, plant height, length of roots, germination percentage and chlorophyll content were the parameters which were observed in periodic intervals of seedling growth. From the entire experiment it can be stated that, acid scarification and use of organic mulches proved good for the papaya seedling development. However, amongst the various treatments, sulphuric acid scarification for one minute with use of wood chips as an organic mulch material was best, documenting proper results for the different attributes.