International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.6, 267-278 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 268 and Duraisamy, 2017). These early growth stages are highly sensitive to both biotic and abiotic factors, including hormonal regulation, light, and the surrounding growth environment (Zaller, 2007; Bhardwaj, 2013). Traditionally, tomato seedlings in Nepal have been raised in open-field nurseries. However, this practice is often accompanied by several challenges such as inconsistent germination, weak seedling vigor, high mortality due to damping-off, and substantial seed wastage (Gama et al., 2015; Damilola et al., 2022). To overcome these limitations, protected seedling production techniques using plastic trays, plug trays, and pots have been increasingly adopted. These methods have shown improved seed germination rates, seedling survival, and uniformity compared to traditional field-based nurseries (Jeevitha et al., 2019; Hazarika et al., 2022; Ghimire et al., 2024). One of the most influential factors in seedling production is the type of growing medium. Different substrates significantly affect seed germination, seedling height and girth, root development, and overall seedling health (Atif et al., 2016; Truong et al., 2017). Soilless substrates such as cocopeat, vermicompost, and their mixtures have proven beneficial due to their ability to maintain moisture, provide aeration, and protect plants from soil-borne pathogens (Wilson et al., 2001; Arancon et al., 2006; Zaller, 2007). These substrates enhance the physical and biological structure of the root zone, improve nutrient availability, and support the establishment of strong root systems (Mathowa et al., 2016; Kaur, 2017). Additionally, the physical and chemical properties of growing media—including water-holding capacity, bulk density, electrical conductivity, ion exchange capacity, and nutrient content—play a critical role in determining the success of seed germination and subsequent seedling development (Gama et al., 2015; Truong et al., 2017; Ali et al., 2020). The use of high-quality substrates ensures better growth conditions and contributes to the production of uniform, healthy seedlings. In Nepal, initiatives like those of the Vegetable Crops Development Centre (VCDC) in Lalitpur are promoting localized tomato seedling production and affordable distribution, particularly of popular varieties such as ‘Shrijana’ (Banjade et al., 2023). Despite these efforts, tomato producers still face production bottlenecks such as poor seedling establishment after transplanting, low seed germination under field conditions, and limited productivity from existing varieties. These constraints highlight the need for improved nursery management and selection of suitable growing media tailored to specific tomato varieties (Dahal et al., 2024; Ghimire et al., 2024). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nine different growing media combinations on germination percentage, vigor index, root and shoot length, and biomass accumulation of tomato seedlings under nursery conditions in Bhojpur, Nepal. 2 Materials and Method 2.1 Experimental site The experiment was conducted from January to March 2025 at the research field of the Agricultural Knowledge Center (AKC), Dandagaun, Bhojpur Municipality-7, Bhojpur. The study site is geographically positioned at 27°10'0" North latitude and 87°03'0" East longitude, with an elevation of 1,560 meters above sea level. Bhojpur district, located in Koshi Zone within Province No. 1 of Nepal, lies in the mid-hills of Eastern Nepal and provides a diverse agro-climatic environment suitable for vegetable cultivation. During the experimental period, the study area experienced significant climatic variations. The mean temperature ranged from a minimum of 12 °C to a maximum of 28 °C, with considerable daily and weekly fluctuations. The relative humidity varied between 65% and 95%, indicating a generally humid environment conducive to seed germination and seedling growth. To further analyze the environmental conditions of the experimental site, a geographical representation of the study area was prepared using GIS tools (Figure 1).
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