Genetic diversity in chironji (Buchanania lanzan) under semi-arid ecosystem of Gujarat

Abstract

Chironji (Buchanania lanzan Spreng) of family anacordiaceae shows wide genetic variation owing to its heterozygous nature. An extensive survey and exploration was carried out during the year 2004 and 2005. Earliest flowering (first week of February) took place in 'CPT 1', 'CPT 5'. 'CPT lo', 'CPT 15', 'CPT 17', 'CPT 19' and 'CPT 22', while the latest (4th week of February) occurred in 'CPT 13'. Maximum panicle length (35.11 cm) was found in 'CPT I', while 'CPT 18' recorded least panicle length (14.20 cm). Highest percentage of perfect flowers (13.10) and fruits1 panicle (37.50) was recorded in 'CPT 12' while, it was found least in 'CPT 18'. Ripening time varied from third week of April to second week of May indifferent genotypes. The highest fruit yieWplant was found in 'CPT 7' (28.00 kg/ plant). Kernel we3ht was highest in 'CPT 1' (0.14 g). The highest protein content was found in 'CPT 2' (30.70#). With respect to all horticultwai traits studied the genotypes 'CPT 1', 'CPT 2', 'CPT 5', 'CPT 6', 'CPT 7', 'CPT 8', 'CPT 12' and 'CPT 30' were found to be promising. Vegetatively propagated promising genotypes have been planted in the field for their further evaluation.