Research on propagation of Lithocarpus ducampii (Hickel & A. Camus) A. Camus) from seed by using biodegradable non-woven nursery bag at the nursery stage

Abstract

Lithocarpus ducampiiis a native evergreen broadleaf tree with straight trunk,
growing fast and great potential for planting large size timber plantation. However, up to now, seedlings of this species are still propagated by black plastic
bags with topsoil as potting mix. The plastic bags with topsoil was heavy when
transporting and causes environmental pollution, so it is necessary to propagate
by biodegradable non-woven nursery bags to reduce transportation cost and
contribute to environmental protection. The results of the study showed that:
Seeds of L. ducampii are big and easy to germinate, the germination rate is
85.2% when incubated with moist sand. Root quality of L. ducampiiseedlings
in biodegradable non-woven nursery bags was better than in black plastic bags
with topsoil. The best growing root system in pot substrate consisting of 65%
peat + 30% rice husk + 5% dried cow dung (CT2) and pot substrate comprising
55% acacia bark powder + 25% sawdust + 15% charcoal + 5% dried cow dung
(CT4). The best growth in diameter and height in CT2, CT4 and black plastic with pot substrate including topsoil + 1% NPK 5:10:3 fertilizer (CT1). The
weight of 9 months old seedlings in biodegradable non-woven nursery bags is
only 0.31-0.56 times of the seedings in black plastic bags with topsoil, but the
cost is 1.08-1.41 times higher. Biodegradable non-woven nursery bags with pot
substrate consisting of 55% acacia bark powder + 25% sawdust + 15% charcoal
+ 5% dry cow dung is the most suitable in terms of root development, growth,
weight and cost of the seedling to produce seedling of L. ducampii.