Identification of natural distribution and selection of superior quality germplasms of Oroxylum indicum (shyonak) in different forest divisions of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Oroxylum indicum, commonly known as shyonak, is distributed throughout the country and found mainly in ravine and moist places in the forests. The plant is used in many Ayurvedic preparations like, Shyonakapatpak Dashmula and Chyawanprash. Non-sustainable collection and habitat destruction have posed serious threat to the survival & availability of this highly useful tree species. Therefore to fill the huge gap between demand & supply it is pertinent to conserve the germplasm of this important medicinal species. In the present study, an attempt has been made to survey & identify the natural habitat of Oroxylum indicum in Uttarakhand and to select the superior quality germplasms. The survey was carried out from April, 2016 to March, 2018, in the elevation between 176 to 1463 meter msl. A total of 78 locations in eighteen forest divisions were explored. Occurrence of the species was found in 51 locations of 15 forest divisions. The maximum average population of the species was found in Rudraprayag forest division. On the basis of percentage of active constituents i.e. Chrysin, Baicalein, Oroxylin-A, eight superior quality germplasms were found better and therefore screened out and will be recommended for further conservation and multiplication programme in Uttarakhand.