Cost-effective potting media for efficient Betel (Piper Betle L.) propagation

Abstract

Betel (Piper betle L.) is a popular intercrop with coconuts in Kurunegala and Gampaha districts, mainly grown as a cash crop. To ensure selection of high quality, vigorous plants, growers often use potted betel plants for transplanting. The traditional potting media for betel consists of equal parts topsoil (TS), sand (S), cow dung (CM) and coconut flour (CD). However, due to the high cost and limited availability of sand and coir dust, using partially burned paddy husk as a substitute is a more economical option. A study was conducted to determine the cost-effective potting mixture using a combination of different potting materials. Seven treatments included the combinations of top soil, sand, cattle manure, coir dust, and partially burned paddy husk (PBPH). The poly bags were filled with a plotting mixture and three nodal cuttings were planted. A propagator was used to raise the plants for 21 days. The small plants were then kept in 70% shade. According to the results, the highest root dry weights were in the T2(TS:CM:S:CD:PBPH 2:1:1:1:3) and T7 (TS:CM:PBPH, 1:1:3). The highest shoot dry weight, shoot length, and number of leaves were all observed in T4 (TS:CM:S:CD 2:1:1/2:1:1). Therefore, treatments T4, T2, and T7 can be recommended for betel propagation. The cost per plant in the T4, T2, and T7 treatments was Rs 13.50, Rs 11.50, and Rs 9.30, respectively, which is lower than the cost of the conventional potting mixture at Rs 18.00.