Atul GuptaAKSHIPTIKA CHANDEL2024-07-292024-07-292024-06-19https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810212604Present study entitled “Ecological status of Abies pindrow populations in Himachal Pradesh” was conducted during year 2022-23. Four districts viz; Shimla, Kullu Mandi and Chamba were selected randomly and from each selected district four populations were selected randomly and from each selected population nine trees were selected for collection of different morphological and seed characters. Tree height, tree diameter, crown length, cone width, seed length and seed breadth was found maximum in Kullu and Chamba districts whereas bole height and crown length was found maximum in Shimla district. Tree height of Abies pindrow was varied from 14.58 m in Shimla district to 21.67 m in Kullu district whereas diameter varied from 61.33 cm in Mandi district to 93.25 in Kullu district. Cone length was maximum (128.18 mm) in Kullu district whereas it was minimum (74.83 mm) in Shimla district. Number of seeds per cone varied from 33.75 (Shimla district) to 61.17 (Kullu district). 100 seed weight without wings was also found maximum in Kullu district (3.62 g) and minimum in Shimla district (2.71g).It was also observed that there was no significant variation within population for most of the morphological and seed characters. Seeds collected from 16 different populations were sown in polybags in Shilli Wildlife Sanctuary, Solan. Germination percentage was found more for seed treated with chilling as compared to without chilling treatment and was found maximum in Mandi district (59.33%) and minimum in Chamba district (37.33%). Survival percentage was maximum in Kullu district (46.41%) whereas minimum in Mandi district 39.30%. Seedling height at 6 months was more from the seed collected from Shimla district (4.70 cm) whereas it was minimum in Mandi district (4.72 cm). High genotypic and phenotypic variation was estimated in germination percentage, seedling height at two and three months of age. High heritability and genetic gain was found for survival percentage. Maximum density in Shimla district was recorded in Rhododendron arboreum and IVI was highest in Abies pindrow (25.11). Phytosociological study suggested that 17 tree species were associated with Abies pindrow in Shimla district whereas 11 tree species were associatied in Mandi district.Shrub speces were varied from 10-15 and herb species varied from 4-20. Estsblished regeneration was more in chamba distict whereas regeneration success percent was more for Pinus roxburghii (49%) followed by Abies pindrow (32%).EnglishThesis