Sand culture studies of teak (Tectona Grandis) in relation to nutritional deficiency symptoms, growth and vigour

This study was conducted at the Kerala Agricultural University, India. The objective was to induce symptoms of deficiency of various nutrient elements (N, P, K, Mg, S, Zn and Mo) in seedlings of teak grown in sand culture. The effects of nutrients on the growth, vigour and nutrient uptake pattern were also investigated. Symptoms in seedlings deficient of nutrients include leaf discoloration, necrosis, scorching, defoliation and stunted growth. Seedlings that received complete nutrient solution were healthy and had dark green foliage. Shoot and root growth of the seedlings deficient of nutrients were affected. All the fractions of chlorophyll of treated seedlings, particularly nitrogen-deficient seedlings, reduced considerably. Visual symptoms of nitrogen-deficient seedlings also coincided with the reduction in foliar levels of the concerned element. There was a remarkable improvement in growth of seedlings and the visual symptoms when the deficient element was again supplied to the affected seedlings