Response of nutmeg seeds to different nursery media

Abstract

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) is one of the important tree spices of Kerala. Though commercial propagation of nutmeg is by vegetative method, saplings raised from seeds are important for rootstock purposes. The seeds after extraction are sown either immediately or not later than 3-4 days (Khandekar et al., 6). However, the germination of nutmeg seeds is reported to be low (40-50%). Seeds treated with growth regulators had shown increased germination in nutmeg (Mathew, 7). Besides growth regulators, rooting media also play a vital role in seed germination and seedling growth of nutmeg. Khandekar et al. (6) suggested that rice bran, sand + rice bran and sand were the best media for maximum germination and seedling growth in nutmeg under coastal conditions of Maharashtra. Similarly, Baghel and Saraswat (1), and Baghel et al. (2) also found the influence of rooting media on the success of pomegranate cuttings. Keeping in view the influence of media in germination and seedling growth, the present investigation was carried out to study the effect of different media on seed germination, seedling growth and vigour of nutmeg with the help of locally available media under Kerala conditions.