Abstract

Bixa orellana, commonly known as annatto or roucan, is a small evergreen tree known for its dye and medicinal properties. The success of forest plantation programs depends on the quality of the planting stock. This study aimed to select a suitable potting mixture for germination and establishment of B. orellana seedlings. Freshly harvested seeds were collected and scarified to improve germination. The seeds were sown in polybags filled with three different potting mixtures and evaluated for seedling characters at 45-day intervals for six months. The study aimed to determine the best potting mixture for healthy nursery stock of B. orellana. The potting mixture containing soil, sand, and vermicompost in a 2:1:1 ratio recorded the maximum shoot length and dry matter production. The survival percentage was also the highest with this mixture. Vermicompost enhanced seedling growth compared to other components such as FYM and coirpith due to its fertility and nutrient content. The inclusion of vermicompost in the potting mixture resulted in higher plant height and girth of seedlings compared to mixtures containing FYM and coirpith.

Keywords: Bixa orellana, annatto, roucan, small evergreen tree, dye and medicinal properties