MSc

The influence of soil moisture regimes and stage of host introduction on
seedling growth of sandal provenances was investigated in a pot culture experiment at
the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. Two provenances
in the South India, Shimoga (Karnataka) and Marayoor (Kerala) were selected for this
study.
The results showed that the seedlings of Marayoor provenance were taller and
having a higher collar diameter as compared to seedlings of Shimoga provenances. The
stage of introduction of host did not have any effect on the growth of sandal seedlings.
The seedlings where the host was introduced at the time of planting sandal had
comparatively higher total chlorophyll in both the provenances as compared to
seedlings where the host was introduced three and six months after planting sandal.
Highest Nitrogen and Calcium content was observed in Marayoor provenance when the
host was introduced at the time of planting sandal, whereas the P content was higher in
both the provenances where the host was introduced at the time of planting sandal.
The parameters like seedling height, collar diameter, number of leaves, leaf
area, dry matter and chlorophyll content decreased due to water stress.
The haustorial connections were found only at 300 days after planting sandal.
The seedlings of Marayoor provenance recorded lower pre-dawn water potential as
compared to seedlings of Shimoga provenance. Introducing host at the time of planting
sandal or three months after planting sandal, in Marayoor provenance resulted in higher
plant water potential. The leaf diffusive resistance was relatively high in Marayoor
provenance when the host was introduced at the time of planting sandal. The leaf
diffusive resistance was high in water stressed plants.
As the haustorial connections were found only at 300 days after planting
sandal, it can be concluded that the host need to be planted only six to nine months after
planting sandal. This will avoid the early competition between sandal and host. Fast
growing pot host during the early phase of its growth may suppress sandal by
competition.