GUPTA, TARATHAKUR, RUCHI2021-10-292021-10-292021-10https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810177516ABSTRACT The present study entitled “Seed source studies on Santalum album L. in Himachal Pradesh was conducted in the Department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources of Dr. Y.S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry Nauni, Solan (H.P) during 2020-21. Trees of Santalum album L. were selected from subtropical ranges of Himachal Pradesh comprising of six seed sources viz. Changer (S1), Kosariyan (S2) and Samoh (S3) district Bilaspur, Hiranagar (S4) district Hamirpur, Jwalamukhi (S5) and Sadwan (S6) district Kangra , which are situated at significant distance from each other and falling across three Forest Division viz. Bilaspur, Hamirpur and Dehra with the aim to evaluate seed sources on the basis of various parameters viz., phenotypic, morphological , floral characteristics, seed traits, invitro germination and nursery growth performance of half sibs. Maximum tree height was found in S6 (Sadwan) with value (13.71m) whereas mean clear bole height was found maximum in S3 (5.26 m). Maximum seed weight and seed diameter was recorded in Kosariyan of district Bilaspuri.e, 14.48 g and 6.99 mm. Half sib from Sadwan (district Kangra) performed best for seedling height (21.62 cm) as compared to rest of half sibs among seed sources. Maximum leaf length was recorded for Jwalamukhi (6.25 cm). Primary pollinators viz., honey bee, dragon fly, beetle, Dipetran fly, black ants etc. were mostly visited on flower. Among seed sources, sowing media and their interactions, maximum invitro germination percent was recorded for S5 (66.66%), s2 (55.55 %) and S1s2 (77.77%). Among seed sources, maximum germination percent was recorded for S1 (72.22%) in field studies. Highly significant correlation was found between tree height, clear bole height, collar diameter, seedling height, leaf length, leaf width, seed weight and seed diameter. Maximum GCV % (22.43). PCV % (24.24), genetic advance (4.43) and genetic gain (42.74) was estimated for tree height and maximum repeatability coefficient was estimated for seed weight (0.92 %). High heritability and genetic gain was recorded for seed weight and tree height so these characters are useful for selection.EnglishThesis