Journal of Environmental Biology

Host-specific influence on early growth and physiological attributes of sandal (Santalum album) grown in farmlands

A. Balasubramanian, C.N. Hari Prasath*, S. Radhakrishnan and M. Sivaprakash 

Department of Silviculture & Natural Resource Management, Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam – 641 301, India

*Corresponding Author Email : prasathforestry@gmail.com

Received: 24.12.2020                                                                Revised: 24.02.2021                                                    Accepted: 23.03.2021

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the host- specific compatibility of sandal (Santalum album) for better root proliferation and boosting the growth of tree.

Methodology: Sandal (Santalum album) was grown with 8 different leguminous and non-leguminous species at early stage to evaluate its biometric growth (height and basal diameter) and physiological (chlorophyll, photosynthesis rate and transpiration rate) performance under field conditions.

Results: Sandal grown with Sesbania grandiflora recorded highest biometric observations, chlorophyll, photosynthesis and transpiration rate followed by Sandal + Albizia lebbeck and sandal + Casuarina junghuhniana. The sandal grown with leguminous host showed superior growth performance than sandal grown with non-leguminous host.      

Interpretation: The present study recommended that Sesbania grandiflora can be grown as transit host for boosting the growth of sandal.       

Key words: Hemi-root parasites, Host-specific compatibility, Root proliferation, Sandal

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