Impact of Sowing Time on Sandalwood (Santalum album) Seedling Growth in Sub-Tropical Zone

The aim of the study was to determine the appropriate sowing time for sandalwood seeds at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. Dried sandalwood seeds collected from Marayoor, Kerala were used in the study. Sandalwood seeds were treated for 16 to 24 hours with 0.05 % gibberellic acid and sown at 24 different dates throughout the year. Seeds sown in April showed superiority in all germination and growth parameters followed by August, 1st September and 15th March. The highest germination percentage (77.5), germination value (2.56), survival percentage (63), plant height (22.5 cm) and collar diameter (0.22 cm) were witnessed in 15 April sown seeds. Lowest plant height (4 cm) and collar diameter (0.07 cm) were in the December sown seeds which were at par with November and January. Sturdiness quotient and volume index was also higher in April sown seeds. Extreme temperatures, whether winter or summer affected germination and growth of sandalwood. The study concludes that period from 15th March to end April as well as August and September is suitable for sandalwood seed sowing.