Effect of Different Sowing Media on Seed Germination and Seedling Performance of Ficus auriculata L. and F. hispida L.

In Bangladesh, the declining populations of Ficus auriculata L and Ficus hispida L, vital for maintaining ecosystem balance and supporting wildlife, are threatened by low germination rates and poor seedling establishment, highlighting the need for effective propagation strategies to ensure their conservation and sustainability. This experiment investigated the germination and seedling development of Ficus auriculata L and Ficus hispida L, species crucial for biodiversity and environmental stability in Bangladesh. Effective conservation and propagation require high germination rates and vigorous seedlings. This study examined the impact of different sowing media on germination and seedling growth for these two important species. The trial, conducted over two years (2019–2022), employed a completely randomized design with eight treatments, including a control and various mixtures of soil, cow dung, and sand. Seeds were obtained from the University of Chittagong and monitored daily for germination rates and growth parameters. The results showed that the different media significantly affected germination percentages. The control treatment achieved the highest germination rate for F. auriculata (63.66%) and showed good performance in other growth parameters. For F. hispida, Treatment 01 recorded the highest germination rate at 81.33%. Seedling growth was assessed by measuring shoot and root lengths, revealing significant differences among treatments. Shoot length and collar diameter were notably improved in F. auriculata under the control treatment, reaching 121.5 mm, compared to lower values in other treatments. The findings indicate that Treatment 7 (Sand: Soil: Dung in a 1:2:1 ratio) provided the most favorable conditions for seedling growth, promoting robust development and higher survival rates. These results highlight the importance of selecting appropriate growing conditions to enhance germination and survival rates, contributing to biodiversity conservation amid challenges like climate change and habitat degradation. Further research is recommended to explore the therapeutic and ecological benefits of these lesser-known Ficus species.