Dhillon, G.P.S.Navneet Kaur2017-06-182017-06-182016http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810021527The study was conducted at main experimental area of Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Fourteen clones were characterized for morphological and physiological traits. All clones had similar leaf shape i.e. lanceolate except clone PE-10. Branch habit was either upward (PE-3, PE-12, PE-7, PE-5, PE-6, PE-8, PE-11 and C-413) or perpendicular (PE-14, PE-9, PE-13, PE-4 and C-72) except in PE-10 (drooping). Leaf base shape was obtuse in clone PE-3 while all other clones had cuneate shape. Wide variations were found for all the leaf traits and number of branches. However no clear trend was noticed. The ratio of open to closed stomata was significantly variable on abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces. In second experiment, out of the four treatments- T1 (submerged conditions), T2 (30 % moisture), T3 (25% moisture) and T4 (15% moisture), T3 registered maximum plant height, collar diameter and number of branches. Significantly lowest values were found under submerged conditions. Clone C-413 showed maximum height; clones PE-11 and PE-13 recorded significantly highest collar diameter values. T3 registered the maximum values for fresh and dry biomass of branches and leaves as well as stem. Root biomass was maximum in T2. Clone PE-13 was the best for biomass of branches and leaves as well as stem. Root biomass was highest in clone PE-11. The third experiment had four treatments at 75%, 100%, 125% and 150% of the Cumulative Pan Evaporation (CPE). T2 registered the maximum values for all growth traits i.e. plant height, collar diameter and number of branches. Clone C-413 was found to be the best for plant height. PE-1 had maximum collar diameter and number of branches. T1 registered the maximum number of roots. Clone PE-1 performed best for number of roots as well as length of roots. C-2045 was the poorest performer for root traits. T2 registered maximum values for both fresh and dry biomass of branches and leaves, stem and roots. Clone PE-1 recorded maximum biomass of branches and leaves, stem as well as root. Clone C-2045 showed lowest biomass values. Under submerged conditions, clone PE-1 registered maximum biomass values. T2 registered the maximum values for photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration. Clone PE-1 was found to be the superior most for all physiological traits.ennullThesis