Variability Studies on Seed and Seedling Attributes in Mahua [<I>Madhuca latifolia</I> (Roxb) Macbride]

Abstract

Experiments were carried out with a view to assess the variability in 23 one-parent families of Mahua [Madhuca latifolia (Roxb) Macbrid], representing different agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu. Results indicated distinct variation among the 23 one-parent families in respect of seed characters like seed length, seed breadth, seed length : seed breadth ratio, hundred seed weight and oil content and seedling traits like shoot length, basal diameter, root length, number of leaves and total dry weight. Out of the 23 one-parent families studied, TNAU and Paiyur-I were found to be suitable for short rotation forestry practices.