Variation in seed germination and seedling traits of Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus natural populations in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Variability Studies in Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus Populations (Banoak) in Himachal Pradesh was carried out for selection of best phenotypes. In order to select best sites for improved genetic gain and quality production of Quercus leucotrichophora, eight sites and three D.B.H. classes from Himachal Pradesh were evaluated on the basis of seed germination and seedling traits. The study revealed significant variation among different sites for traits viz., Initiation of Germination, Complete Germination, Germination (%), Germination value, Percentage Seedling Survival, Seedling Length, Collar Diameter, Inter- Nodal Length, Leaves Per Seedling. Over all site S8 (Salooni-Chamba) was found to be superior followed by site S6 (Manikaran-Kullu) for all traits. Diameter class D3 (>60 cm) excelled in seed germination and seedling traits. Study concluded that superiority of S8 (Salooni) and S6 (Manikaran) populations from large diameter class D3 (>60 cm dbh) for obtaining seed /propagules for further testing and obtaining best results.