Abstract

Study examined the effect of pot sizes and water deficiencies in the growth performances and root allotment of A. indica seedlings were studied while four sizes of pots were selected for use. The smallest pot size was the polythene bag used for potting mixture (16cm length x 10cm top diameter x 10 cm bottom diameter) approximately 2L in volume. The second pot used was cement bag with (23cm length x 25cm top diameter x 15cm bottom diameter) approximately 4L in volume. Other two pot sizes were made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe of 4 inches and 6 inches cut to 50 cm length which produced pots with approximate volumes of 4L and 9L. The pots were filled to 2.5 cm below the brim of the pots with a topsoil and poultry manure at ratio 2:1 which were taken from the departmental nursery. Randomised Complete Design of eight treatment combinations with seven replications were applied. Results showed that there is significant difference in total shoot length between the pot size (F7, 48=8.45, P=0.0001, stem diameter (F3, 54=34.80, P < 0.001), mean root length (F1, 54 = 1.136, P=0.249), the mean number of lateral roots (F7, 48=26.42, P<0.001), mean root / shoot ratio (F7, 48= 23.55, p<0.001). Pot size in this study was associated with an increased allocation of root/shoot ratios revealed apparent differences in growth response to water deficit. Therefore, pot size of (23cm length x 25cm top diameter x 15cm bottom diameter) approximately 4L in volume is adequate for producing large A. indica seedlings