Studies on mortality reduction in transplanted mango saplings under rainfed conditions of Himachal Pradesh.
Sharma S. K., Badiyala S. D.
Author Affiliation: Forestry Research Station, Forestry Regional Horticulture, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture, Bhota, Hamirpur (HP) 176 041, India.
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences 1 : 41-44
Abstract : The efficacy of various in situ moisture conservation techniques (placement of a 10-cm-thick layer of sawdust, FYM [farmyard manure], clay or green leaves at the base of the pit before transplanting, singly or in combination with placement of 2 columns of sawdust, FYM, clay or green leaves in the pit) for reducing mango sapling mortality by extending moisture availability was evaluated in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, India, during 2001 and 2002. Mortality was observed after transplanting and before winter (August-November), during winter (December-March), and during summer (April-June). Mortality was greatest during summer (14-62%). The treatments did not have significant effects on mortality that occurred immediately after transplanting. Mortality during winter was very low, as the plants were protected by thatch covers. During the summer, mortality was lowest (14%) in pits with FYM bands and columns. The effects of clipping (0, 25, 50 or 75% of the leaf area) and polyethylene bag size (BS; 10×20, 15×30 or 25×50 cm) on plant mortality and growth were also studied. Sapling mortality did not significantly vary with the clipping severity, whereas plant height and diameter decreased with the increase in clipping intensity. BS had no significant effect on seedling growth up to 150 days after transplanting (DAT). At 300 DAT, seedling height (47.6 cm) and diameter (11.1 cm) were greatest in the largest polyethylene bags (15×30 cm).