Morphological characteristics among different populations for screening of beul trees (Grewia optiva Drummond)

Abstract

Morphological characteristics among 15 populations for screening of beul trees (Grewia optiva) have been studied in 3 districts viz; Solan`, Sirmaur, and Una of Himachal Pradesh (between 20-30 cm diameter class) growing on cropland situation. On study the qualitative, quantitative and pseudo quantitative characteristics and on the basis of overall scoring index of useful desired traits, the population site SL1 (1540m a msl) in districts Solan has proved the best population, whereas the population site SM2 (1763m a msl) in district Sirmour and the population site UN5 (510m a msl) in district Una are at par and both are ranked at number 2. All the populations varied statistically significant in all the desired morphological traits, i.e., plant growth, leaf, fruits and seeds characteristics. The populations viz; Kothi Kunal (SL1), Jajjer (SM2) and Lamlehri (UN5) are significantly proved the best sources, on the basis of natural phenotypical observations, for selection and screening of superior individuals within the populations, so as to develop beul based agroforestry in uplands of Himachal Pradesh.