Seedling Growth Characteristics of Celtis australis L. Genotypes on Different Substrates Under a Limited Fertilization

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different growing media on growth characteristics of Celtis australis genotypes native to the Serik district of the Antalya province. For this purpose, seeds of five genotypes (GT1, GT2, GT3, GT4 and GT5) were sown in pots filled with 4 different growing media in January. In the experiment, four different substrates were prepared by mixing loamy soil (LS), sand (S), well fermented manure (M), peat (P), perlite (PER) and spent mushroom compost (SMC) in different formulations and ratios. During the study, a limited and fixed fertilization program was used. Results indicated that there were significant differences in the growth characteristics with respect to both the genotype and the growing medium. The best results for the growth characteristics of C. australis seedlings were seen in the growing media of SMC+S and LS+M+S. Different genotypes also showed significant variation which might provide opportunities to breeders and nursery owners to introduce alternative new forms to the industry.