Nursery Output Maximization in Mango under Low-Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

Studies to standardize nursery production techniques in mango for output maximization were conducted during 2004-2009. Three separate experiments were laid out to work out optimum spacing, fertilizer level and time of transplant of mango seedlings. Best result in terms of nursery output per unit area was observed in seedlings transplanted at a spacing of 30cm x 20cm during mid-August to mid-September. It was also observed that a higher proportion of early-transplanted seedlings became graftable by March. Thus there exists a wide scope for raising greater number of mango grafts in a year, as, these grafts attain saleable size by July-August, if suitable irrigation and nutrition is provided. Seedling survival improved with different levels of manure and fertilizer application. Overall saleable plant material generated was highest with application of 10kg FYM + 25g N + 16g P₂O₅ + 60g K₂O per m² bedarea.