Performance of various tree species in Miyawaki plantation in Anna university campus, Coimbatore

Abstract

A study was conducted to find the performance of tree species under Miyawaki method of planting in Anna University Regional Zone, Coimbatore and the plantation was taken up during 2016. Sixteen fast growing trees namely Pongamia pinnata, Thespesia populnea, Terminalia catappa, Albizia saman, Holoptelea integrifolia, Azadirachta indica, Melia azedarach, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Limonia acidissima, Albizia lebbeck, Spathodea campanulata, cassia siamea, Adenanthera pavonina, Swietenia macrophylla, Ficus religiosa and Mailnkara hexandra were planted in close density planting method. The performance of these trees was assessed with biometrical traits (height, basal diameter) and eco-physiological traits (transpiration, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance). Among the Sixteen species, Spathodea campanulata exhibited highest growth, productivity and also superior in eco physiological traits which suits better suits for Miyawaki afforestation. The tree species, Cassia siamea performed well next to Spathodea campanulata in terms of biometric, productivity and eco-physiological parameters. Holoptelea integrifolia, Swietenia macrophylla and Limonia acidissima have recorded the lowest parameters. The tree species, Spathodea campanulata and cassia siamea are highly suitable for afforestation in wastelands and also for urban forest in Mayawaki method of planting.