Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
S Preethi, M Murugesh, M Tilak, J Balamurugan P Kumar and PS Devanand

Abstract:
In India, Casuarina junghuhniana, a tropical plantation species, has gained significant popularity as it is preferred for pulpwood, fuel wood and poles. This species is known for its rapid growth and excellent adaptability to dry land condition. Sodic soil also known as alkali soil characterized by elevated levels of exchangeable sodium content (>15%) which adversely affects soil fertility and plant growth. In this study, a trial was conducted in Pallathur village, Pattukottai which is situated in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu to assess the sodicity tolerance of Casuarina junghuhniana clones. The trial included six initially screened Casuarina junghuhniana (STCJ) clones (STCJ 3, 9, 15, 16, 17 and 18) along with one check variety (Casuarina junghuhniana MTP 2). The experimental design was a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 20 ramets of each clone in three replications with a spacing of 1.5 x 1.5 m. Growth parameters such as survival rate (%), height (cm), basal diameter (mm), sturdiness quotient and volume index (cm³) were recorded at 6 MAP (Months After Planting). Among the clones evaluated, STCJ 9, STCJ 16 and STCJ 3 showed to be superior to the other clones and the check variety.