Qualitative characteristics analysis of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don (Seabuckthorn) populations in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

To determine the variation among different populations and growing plants for qualitative characteristics of plant, leaves, thorns, fruits (berries) and seeds, five female plants of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don at each site were selected at the time of fruit set i.e., during August-September, when male and female could be differentiated. The selected plants were used for the assessment the qualitative variation of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don in Spiti valley and Baspa valley. Variation in qualitative traits of different sites of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don within and between different populations were studied. All the qualitative characters showed significant variation among and between different populations. Based on qualitative characters of different population of different sites, the population of Badseri and Kupa sites were found more promising for growth habit, plant vigour, density of shoot, number of thorns and length of thorns. Due to tremendous variability in population, the population can be used for future variability approaches and breeding programmes and for preparation of DUS guidelines of this species. It is suggested that for further propagation programmes, genepools from Sangla should be used and it can be planted on wastelands to develop grazing areas for sheep and goats and harvesting of fruits for Seabuckthorn value addition chain.