Vermiculite-Influenced Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Root Formation

Abstract

The study revealed a marked influence of vermiculite, when added to the seed beds and rooting medium on the rate of seed germination, radicle length, the growth and development of root and shoot system in Parthenium argentaturn, Sininiondsia chinensis and Prosopis cineraria. Effect on germination percentage was non-significant. In medium with 1 : 2 combination of vermiculite and sand-clay-manure mixture a well branched extensive root system developed. The better performance of seedlings on the media is explained by the combined action of manure mixture which helped promote shoot growth, while the vermiculite provided better aeration, moisture and drainage to the rooting medium .