A Half-yearly Peer Reviewed Journal of Bangladesh Forest Research Institute
The physical and mechanical properties of Jhau (Caswarma equisetifolia) grown in Chattogram timber species were studied. The results indicate that jhau wood is fallen in very heavy and very strong categories. The specific gravity and the volumetric shrinkage of Jhau timber is higher than
that of Chattogram teak which was recommended as standard for comparison of other timber species in Bangladesh. The species can be used for house posts, agricultural implements, tool handles and other household articles.
Casuarina equisetifolia seedlingsinoculated with different biofertilizerssuch as
Azospirillum, Phosphobacterium, VAM fungi and Frankia and their combinations were
planted in farmland. Growth parameters were collected at bimonthly intervals up to
30 months. Biomass was estimated 24 months after planting. Maximum height, girth
at breast height (gbh) and total biomass were obtained in the combined application of
Azospirillum, Phosphobacterium, VAM and Frankia. The combination of VAM +
Frankia among double inoculation, and the combination of Azospirillutn, VAM and
Frankia in triple inoculation also proved to be the best treatment in promoting the
significant total height, gbh and total biomass production
Pot culture experiments were carried out in non-pasteurised soil to determine the effects ofsix different VAM fungi such as Gigaspora margarita, Glomus deserticola, G. fasciculatiim, G. mosseae, G. monosporum and G. versiforme individually as well as in combinations with Frankia sp. on the seedling growth of Casuarina equisetifolia. Inoculation of VAM fungi or Frankia sp. increased the growth and biomass. Among the different VAM fungi, Glomusfasciculatiim followed by G. versiforme significantly enhanced the growth, stem girth and biomass. Inoculation with G. monosporum increased mycorrhizal infection and spore number in the soil. Co-inoculation with Gigaspora margarita and Frankia sp. significantly increased root colonization and spore number. Nodule number and nodular biomass were increased with the inoculation of VAM fungi. They were further increased by inoculations with Frankia sp. with a maximum in G. mosseae and Frankia sp. inoculated seedlings. Inoculation with Gigaspora margarita individually orin combination with Frankia sp.significantly increased tissue P and K concentration. Significant increase of N concentration was observed in Glomus monosporum inoculation.
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