Effect of Watering Frequency and Growth Media on Seed Germination and Subsequent Seedling of Cardamom (Elleteria Cardamom) at Tepi South-Western Part of Ethiopia

Abstract

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton - small) is the queen of spices, in the home land for spices. Production is much lower mainly due to constraints such as lack of improved variety, Poor agronomic practices. The long duration taken for seed germination is considered as one of the major issues in the propagation of this crop. Therefore, the current study was conducted with the objective of determining growth media and watering frequency on seed germination and subsequent seedling growth of cardamom. The experiment was conducted at Tepi National Spices Research Center. A split plot design with three replications, Growth media seven levels (Forest soil; Top soil; Forest soil: Top soil; Forest soil: Compost; Top soil: Compost; Forest soil: Top soil : compost; Top soil: Compost) and four levels of watering frequency (every day , two , three & four days interval) were assigned as main and sub-plot, respectively. The interaction effect was highly significant (p < 0.05) for emergence of seedling. The highest seed germination percentage and speed of germination (85% and 2.94) respectively, were obtained under seeds sown in mixed forest and compost media combination in (2:1) ratio with watering frequency a day interval. It can be concluded that watering frequency every one day and media of a (2:1) forest soil and compost combinations improved both seed germination and growth of subsequent seedlings.

Keywords: Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum, Seed germination, watering frequency, growth media

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-7-01

Publication date: April 30^th 2020