Physiological and biochemical traits of adaptability in <em>Calophyllum inophyllum </em>(L.)

Abstract

Calophyllum inophyllum L. is a potential tree borne oilseed gaining popularity for both medicinal and biofuel properties. Clonal variations with respect to physiological and biochemical traits in this species across three different locations such as Neyveli, Chennai and Salem was studied. The results indicated that C. inophyllum can with stand moderately harsh climatic conditions. It was evinced that to screen the adaptability of this species to dry climatic conditions, analysis of physiological traits such as Chlorophyll Stability Index (CSI) and Nembrane Injury Index (MII) and biochemical traits such as Chlorophyll contents, Proline and Phenols stand feasible. The present study indicated that clones C6 and C62 can withstand harsh climate compared to other clones studied. Clones C6 and C62 can therefore be deployed for vegetative multiplication for raising plantations with high productivity by farmers and forest departments.