Comparative performance of stump and root trainer raised teak plantationsin humid Kerala

Teak is predominant timber species of the tropics on account of its diverse wood qualities. Stump (shoot-root cuttings) has been the conventionally followed planting material for teak. Recently, root trainer grown seedlings are also used for teak cultivation. However, the efficiency of these two techniques has not been tested at the field level. In this context, a field trial was designed to compare the growth performance of stump and root trainer grown teak stands at six years of age situated at Karakkad, Kalady range, Malayattoor forest division, Kerala. Observations on growth attributes like total tree height, bole height and diameter at breast height (DBH), stand basal area and volume were recorded. The root trainer origin stand registered significantly higher total tree height (7.40 m), bole height (3.45 m), DBH (8.79 cm), stand basal area (6.83 m² ha⁻¹) and stand volume (36.31 m³ ha⁻¹) than that of plantation established by stump. Crown diameter and survival (%) showed a modest influence on the planting material. However, stand leaf area index (1.20) showed a significantly better performance by the root trainer based teak stands. The observations converge to the conclusion that root trainer based teak cultivation has potential growth advantages and hence can be suggested for future large scale planting programs.