Standardization of soilless growth media under capillary rise irrigation principle for nursery raising of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) seedlings by nutriseed pack

A greenhouse experiment was conducted for identification of suitable growing medium and manure pellet composition for effective emergence and growth of seedlings of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) from nutriseed pack technique. The experiment was set up in a tray consisting of water at the bottom and protray above it, covered by a cotton cloth. In the pro trays tubular holders were placed, containing different treatments in nutriseed pack along with tomato seeds. Seven treatments were formulated combining the manure pellet composition and soilless media over it. The whole assembly was prepared so as to facilitate irrigation of the seeds in the tube by capillary rise. The tray was watered once a day. The process was continued for around 15 days until the seeds were germinated and grown. Germination percentage and seedling vigor were recorded. In greenhouse study with tomato seedling, the highest germination was recorded for vermiculite (98.6%) but could not support growth in a long run. Vermicompost with soya chunks + coir pith showed vigorous growth at a later time and also a very high germination (97.3%).