Germination and Growth of Rough Lemon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.) Seedlings under Protected Environment

Abstract

Production of disease-free plants is necessary for a healthy future for the citrus industry. Therefore, a study was designed to compare growth of direct-sown and transplanted rough lemon seedlings under controlled conditions. Rough lemon rootstock seedlings were grown under screen-house, shade-net house, glasshouse, and open field conditions. Seeds were planted in seed beds, propagation trays and black polythene bags. Germination was significantly higher (94.30%) in propagation trays under shade-net house except that in screen-house. Minimum germination (62.45%) was recorded in open-field seed-beds. Seedling height, stem diameter, leaf number and leaf area was found to be maximum (i.e., 55.26cm, 0.63cm, 33.43 and 24.75cm²respectively) in direct-sown seeds in polybags under screen-house which were transferred to glasshouse during winter. Minimum values observed were 41.33cm, 0.44cm, 18.29 and 15.47cm², respectively, in conventionally raised seedlings. On the basis of our study, it is concluded that rough lemon nursery is best raised in polybags under screen-house or glasshouse conditions.