Effect of planting dates and different growing media on seed germination and growth of pistachio seedlings

Abstract

Abstract Background Sowing time and suitable planting media are considered basic requirements to get the maximum yield and high profit for their direct and significant impact on seedlings quality and productivity of trees later. So this experiment has been carried out in a private nursery at Gharbiya Governorate, Egypt, during the seasons of 2016 and 2017 to study the effect of seven growing media (GM): sandy soil 100%; sandy soil:peat moss:vermiculite (2:1:1) by volume; sandy soil:peat moss:vermiculite (1:2:1); loamy soil:sandy soil:vermiculite (2:1:1); loamy soil:sandy soil:vermiculite (1:2:1); loamy soil:peat moss:vermiculite (2:1:1); and loamy soil:peat moss:vermiculite (1:2:1). Ashoury pistachio seeds were planted on three different dates viz, 1 February, 20 February, and 10 March and their interaction on seed germination and growth of the resulting seedlings. Results The results obtained from this study showed that the maximum germination percentage, number of leaves/seedling, stem diameter, root length, leaf fresh, and dry weight were recorded when the seed was planted on 10 March and seedlings growing in the loamy soil:sandy soil:vermiculite (2:1:1). Conclusion It could be concluded that planting seeds of “Ashoury” pistachio on 10 March in growing media contains loamy soil:sandy soil:vermiculite (2:1:1) for maximum germination and growth of subsequent seedlings.

Keywords

• Pistachio
• Planting dates
• Growing media
• Germination percentage
• Seedlings