The effects of potting media and the degree of compaction on shoot and root growth of Hevea brasiliensis (A. Juss.) Muell. Arg. plants raised using young budding technique were determined in this study. Soils were mixed with coir dust or saw dust to a ratio of either 1:1 or 3:1 and filled into polybags with two compaction levels. Shoot diameter and dry weight, and root dry weights were measured at 12 weeks after planting and 6 weeks after cutback. Percentages of buddable plants, grafting success, scion death and sprouting were also measured. Plants in soil-coir dust 3:1 ratio (SC31) recorded the highest seedling growth (7.2 mm in diameter) as well as scion growth (6.2 mm in diameter) while the lowest growth was observed in soil only (seedling diameter of 6.5 mm) and in soil-saw dust 3:1 (SS31) media (scion diameter of 4.4mm). Total root weight also was significantly higher in SC31 compared to those in other potting media, both at 12 weeks after planting (3.36 g plant-1) and 6 weeks after cutback (7.99 g plant-1). Feeder root density was significantly low in currently adopted soil only treatments at both growth stages. The plants in the soil and coir dust mixed polybags had higher probability of attaining buddable girth than plants in other treatments. The level of compaction in the potting media had no significant impact on shoot or root growth parameters measured. This study showed that growth of young budding plants could significantly be improved by using a potting media of soil and coir dust with a ratio of 3:1. Relative advantages of having a polybag plant with a dense root system are discussed in relation to stress mitigation both in the nursery and field.
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