Author(s): P. Prabakaran* and K. Kumaran

Affiliation: *Department of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement, Forest College and Research Institute, TNAU, Mettupalayam - 641301, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract: The pruning experiment was carried out in 12 year old Azadirachta indica (Neem) plantation at Pathamadai village, Seranmadevi Taluk, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu. The Neem trees were imposed with three pruning intensities (15 % pruning, 25 % pruning and 45 % pruning) and control for enhancing the flowering and fruiting in neem. The total nitrogen (2.351 %), total phosphorus (0.349 %), total potassium (0.214 %), chlorophyll ‘a’ (0.437 mg g^-1), chlorophyll ‘b’ (0.677 mg g^-1) and total chlorophyll (1.108 mg g^-1) were found superior in T2 (25 % pruning) and the lowest leaf nutrient status in control. The maximum neem seed yield was exhibited in 25 per cent pruning with the seed yield of 3.80 kg. and the minimum was recorded in control (1.58 kg). To conclude the study, the moderate pruning in Neem tree enhanced the nutrient status in leaf and fruit yield.

DOI: 10.22271/2582-3744.2020.jun.69

Pages: 69-73 | Views: 988 | Downloads: 629

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