Abstract
Study was conducted to find out the impact of VAM inoculation together with fertilizer and deoiled neem cake application on the growth of Paulownia tomentosa raised from root cuttings. It was found that the plants, which were inoculated with VAM (FRI-M1) comprising Glomus mosseae and G. geosporum and subsequently fertilized using nominal dose of inorganic fertilizers (superphosphate, 500 mg; 40 mg muriate of potash) and deoiled neem cake (10 g) per pot, showed increase in shoot height, collar diameter and plant biomass to the extent of 83.2, 50.6 and 333% respectively as compared to control plants. Deoiled neem cake not only checked root-knot nematode infestation completely but also contributed significantly to growth enhancement of plants. On the other hand, control plants showed 69% infestation by root-knot nematodes. Use of deoiled neem cake as an integral component of nursery management practices by the State Forest Departments is suggested because of its nematicidal property and nutritive value.
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