Seed source evaluation for growth and nutrient parameters of Bauhinia variegata Linn.

Abstract

Mature uniform healthy seeds of Bauhinia variegata were collected from phenotypically superior trees at 32 sites from four states viz., Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Uttarakhand during the months of March - April and sown in the nursery in the last week of June to raise their progenies. After one year the progenies of selected genotypes were transplanted into the field at a spacing of 2 x 2 m. All the genotypes were evaluated for growth traits, leaf mineral nutrients and proximate principles after 15 months of growth in the field. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for these characteristics. Genotypes from Subathu, Jabli, Palampur, Dehradun and Jammu exhibited better values for most of the characters. Significant correlation coefficients were found Among some growth traits and proximate principles indicating the possibility of indirect selection in the species.