Vol. 9, Issue 12 (2020)

Author(s):
Neha Sharma, Anil Godara, Arvind Malik and Amit Sharma

Abstract:
Plant material is the basic requirement for any fruit crop because it influences the ultimate yield in terms of quality and quantity. For rapid multiplication of guava through grafting there is a huge demand for superior rootstocks, but this demand is not fulfilled because of poor seed germination and growth. With this objective the present investigation was carried out at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the year 2016-2017 and 2018-2019. The experiment was laid out in CRD with five replications to find out the efficiency of germination and growth of guava cv. L-49 under growing conditions (greenhouse and open condition), on different dates of sowing (firstand second fortnight of August and first fortnight of September) using growing media (Cocopeat and sand). Under greenhouse + cocopeat media + first fortnight of August takes minimum days required for seed germination. While under greenhouse + cocopeat media + first fortnight of September obtain max. Germination, height of seedling, number of leaves and stem diameter were recorded. Cocopeat is a good growing media component with acceptable pH, EC, physical properties, highpore space, high water content and other chemical attributes. Greenhouse condition is better due to the better environmental conditions than compared to the open condition. September sowing is better due to its better adaptability to meteorological conditions existing at the time of germination. Present results suggest that highest to germination percentage, height, number of leaves and stem diameter of guava seedlings were found best under greenhouse condition in cocopeat media at first fortnight of September sowing.