Seed source variation in pod, seed and seedling characteristics of Bauhinia variegata Linn. from Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand.

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Date
2016-06
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College of Forestry, Ranichauri, V.C.S.G. Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry.
Abstract
Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar) is an important tree species of India which produces nutritive and palatable leaf fodder. The aim of this investigation was to measure the variability of seed and seedling morphological characteristics and germination in B. variegata seeds from throughout the natural range, in order to understand the extent and pattern of variation with respect to seed, seedling characters, germination and biomass among ten seed source from Garhwal Himalaya. Pods were collected from ten seed source and sown in nursery under randomized block design to assess the association among different seed, seedling growth characteristics, biomass traits, broad-sense heritability, genetic advance and genetic gain. After 12 month growth, data were recorded and statistically analyzed analysis of variance for association studies. Significant variations (p < 0.05) were recorded for different morphological parameters of seed and seedling among the different seed sources. Significant genotypic, phenotypic and environmental variance, coefficient of variation was observed between seed morphological traits especially survival, seedling length, collar diameter, number of leaves/ seedling and biomass traits. Seed weight was the most variable character among morphological characteristics. Shoot/ root ratio and root growth were more variable characters among the seedling traits. Altitude had non-significant positive relationship with seed weight, seed length and germination percent. These parameters could be used as important criteria for seed source selection. Broad-sense heritability (h2) calculated for different seed and seedling traits showed a considerable portion of genetic variation suggesting the possibility of rapid genetic improvement of these traits. Furthermore, this variability appeared to be geographically structured and would be mainly genetically controlled. Present study identifies four best seed sources based upon seed and seedling traits for those places of Gajeli, Khandikhal, Khadi and Dugadda which were sampled. Hence, seed source screening provides a great opportunity to the tree breeder to screen and capture natural variation for success of afforestation, besides providing information on the raw material for breeding and evolving improved planting stock within a seed source. Such an investigation may help in selection of most suitable seed source for a given site for conservation, breeding and improvement in this species. Thus the result of present study should be helpful for growing quality planting material of this potential tree species in afforestation of tropical to subtropical region of Garhwal Himalaya, India.
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Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar), seed and seedling , germination B. variegata seeds
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