Effect of Planting Distance on Growth and Frond Production in Boston Fern [Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott]

Studies were conducted to optimize planting distance for frond production in Boston fern [Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott]. The suckers were planted at a spacing of 30 x 30 cm, 30 x 45 cm, 45 x 45 cm, 45 x 60 cm and 60 x 60 cm, in the month of March, 2012 under net house conditions which provided 50 per cent shading. Planting density had significant effect on plant spread, frond length, mean lamina length and leaf area. Increase in planting density (30 x 30 cm) led to increase in frond production per unit area but with regard to the production per plant, it was at par in all the spacings where row to row distance was 45 cm i.e. 45 x 30 cm, 45 x 45 cm and 45 x 60 cm. Number of fronds per plant increased as the plants were widely spaced, highest being recorded at 60 x 60 cm. The fronds produced from wider spaced plants were of superior quality in terms of length and strength of the stem. Quality parameters, viz.length of longest frond as well as fresh and dry weights of fronds was observed to be higher with closer spacing. Frond production per plot and yield per hectare exhibited significant increase with decreasing plant spacing. Planting density did not affect longevity of the fronds. Considering the yield of fronds per hectare, cost of production and net return, 30 x 45cm spacing is recommended for the cultivation of Boston fern