Effect of Potting Tube Size on Growth and Development of Zizyphus mauritiana Seedlings

Abstract

Indigenous tree seedlings play a very critical role in restoration of degraded lands owing to their adaptability and resilience in dryland areas. Development of indigenous seedlings in tree nurseries is therefore an exercise of great essence. This has caused a need for review of practices to improve performance of the seedlings in the nurseries to aid in quality improvement. Tree nurseries have been observed to have varied potting material sizes which would affect seedlings growth and development. Potting material sizes have been observed to have profound effects on water retention, soil fertility and seedling growth parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different potting tube sizes on Z. mauritiana seedlings growth and development in drylands. We evaluated three potting tube sizes; with their varying volumes; 4 x 6 (4683 cm3), 5 x 8 (9216 cm3) and 6 x 9 (22046 cm3). The results showed that potting tube size had a significant effect on the seedlings root collar diameter and height. The seedlings planted in 5 x 8 and 6 x 9   tubes had significantly higher height (p < 0.05) than those planted in 4 x 6 cm potting tubes. The means were significantly different at p < 0.05). One Way ANOVA revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean heights and RCD of seedlings planted in each of the potting tube sizes; F (2,237) = 15.82, p = 0.00 and, F (2,237) =11.595, p = 0.00 respectively. Tukey’s HSD test for multiple comparisons was used to separate the means. Therefore, this study concludes that different potting tube sizes have significant impact on the development of the root collar diameter. Therefore, the use of larger potting tubes (6 x 9) is recommended for raising seedlings to increase growth and development in seedlings.