Effect of diameter class, ethephon concentration and environment variables on gum production from Acacia tortilis in arid zone of western Rajasthan

Abstract

Acacia tortilis is one of the important tree species for gum production in arid
regions of western Rajasthan. However, the studies are lacking in standardization of
gum production in this species. Therefore, study was carried out to standardize the
ethephon dose in various diameter classes and the effect of climatic factors on gum
production in different seasons. Results showed that the high statistical difference for
gum yield in different season and different diameter classes with varying concentration
of ethephon. The production of gum was more in summer season (S1) i.e., 298.2 g tree-1,
diameter class (D3) (293 g tree-1) and ethephon treatment (T2) (314.7 g tree-1). Correlation
and regression analysis showed high association of gum yield with temperature and
relative humidity. The regression analysis revealed 99% and 86% variability in gum
yield due to mean temperature and mean relative humidity, respectively. The results
will help in using the standardized dose of ethephon in various diameter classes along
with understanding the effect of various climatic factors on gum production in A. tortilis