M. MAHADEVAMURTHYSHWETHA, V. R.2024-01-032024-01-032025-12-30Th-13948https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810205461A study was conducted to identify the potential seed sources from different regions of Karnataka and to develop nursery management regime for sandalwood. Seeds were collected from seven different locations of Karnataka (S1-Bevinahally; S2-Doranalu; S3-Gottipura; S4-Gungaraghatti; S5-Muddenahally; S6-Narasapura; S7-Tavarekere) and to compare S8-Marayoor seeds were procured from Kerala Forest Research Institute. Seed source S8 (68.66%) displayed the highest germination. Among the Karnataka seed sources S3-Gottipura (51.67%) recorded the highest germination and growth parameters. To improve the germination of Gottipura seed source, three distinct priming methods were employed, viz., biopriming with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride, nutripriming with varying concentrations of KNO3 and MnSO4, and hydropriming with double distilled water. Nutriprimimg with MnSO4, at 0.4M concentration for 3 days, yielded optimal germination (84.00%), and hydroprimimg yielded lowest germination of all priming methods. Next step in nursery management regime is selecting suitable container and optimizing potting media for quality stocking production. Different types and sizes of container and potting media were evaluated. Out of 20 combinations studied 30 cm x 20 cm poly bag, in combination with a potting media soil, rice husk, and farmyard manure in 2:1:1 ratio, consistently recorded superior seedling growth. The assessed growth attributes, were significantly enhanced with this specific combination. Later growth attributes of the species was evaluated with six different host species (Crotalaria juncia, Mimosa pudica, Casuarina equisetifolia, Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria retusa and Alternanthera sessilis). Host species Crotalaria retusa recorded the highest growth attributes. Economic viability of the the treatments was also assessed. These series of experiments collectively offer a holistic framework for Indian sandalwood nursery management regimeEnglishThesis