Studies on rhizosphere hybridization and nutrient dynamics in sweet orange seedling from pot culture experiment

Abstract

The research entitled “Studies on rhizosphere hybridization and nutrient dynamics in sweet orange” was conducted during the year 2013-14 two phases. In the first phase, representative soil samples from rhizosphere of sacred Ficus species (Ficus racemosa L. i.e Umber tree, Ficus benghalensis L. i.e. Banyan tree and Ficus religiosa L. i.e. Pipal tree) and non rhizosphere soil samples were collected and pot culture experiment was carried out to test the germination of sweet orange seeds. In the second phase, pot culture experiment was carried out with nine set of treatments replicated thrice to study the effect of rhizosphere soil hybridization on growth of sweet orange, soil properties. The results revealed that growth media comprising Ficus species rhizosphere soil resulted in improved seed germination and plant growth. Amongst the three species germination percentage of seeds of sweet orange was highest in Umber rhizosphere soil followed by Banyan rhizosphere soil and Pipal rhizosphere soil as compared to non- rhizosphere soil. The growth of sweet orange seedlings was improved in all the rhizosphere and rhizosphere hybridized soils over non rhizosphere and, Sweet orange rhizosphere soil. Amongst all sacred Ficus tree species Ficus racemosa L. rhizosphere soil was best followed by Banyan rhizosphere soil and Pipal rhizosphere soil. Sacred species rhizosphere soil was slightly acidic to neutral in pH, highest content of organic carbon and lowest level of lime