Influence of Light Intensity and Growing Media on Germination and Growth of Gmelina arborea Roxb. Seedlings in the South-eastern Region of Rajasthan

The multipurpose utility and fast-growing nature of Gmelina arborea Roxb. creates a demand for seedlings in nurseries. Various abiotic factors like the choice of media composition and light radiation plays a critical role in seed germination, seedling vigour, and overall plant development which ultimately affect the success of plantation. Therefore, the present study was conducted in the College of Horticulture and Forestry in Jhalawar district to produce robust seedlings under the influence of varying light intensity and growing media from July 2023 to March 2024. The study aimed to evaluate the germination and seedling performance of species under various growing media (soil, sand and FYM) in varying proportions, under different light intensities i.e., open condition, ~ 50% and ~25% light intensity in a completely randomized design (factorial). The result found that overall, the maximum germination percentage (80%) in the media comprising Soil: Sand: FYM (1:1:2) under ~50% light intensity. The seedlings raised in media containing Soil: Sand: FYM (2:1:2) in ~50% light intensity have recorded significantly superior seedling quality index (1.56 DQI). Among the various parameters viz., seedling height, collar diameter, leaf count, taproot length and diameter, total fresh and dry weight, root shoot ratio, survival % and seedling quality index; the highest correlation found in seedling quality index with total dry weight (r = 0.936). The findings support the use of species in reforestation, agroforestry, and commercial plantations, contributing to ecological restoration and sustainable timber production.