M. Aarthi, R. Anandhalakshmi, K. Sureshkumar, A. Sathish, M.V. Vineetha and A. Vijayaraghavan
Abstract
Seed variability studies in sixty progenies representing twenty populations of Limonia acidissima L. were undertaken for seed germination behavior and seedling growth traits at the Forest Genetics Resource Management Nursery, ICFRE-Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India. The populations were spread across 20 districts in Tamil Nadu representing diverse edaphoclimatic gradients. Candidate Plus Trees were selected using baseline girth (80-120 cm CBH) and comparative fruit yield criteria. Significant inter-population variation occurred in Germination percentage (76â98%, mean 87%), shoot length (5.7â9.7 cm), collar diameter, and SQ (9.4â14.3), while root length, total height, and SVI showed non-significant differences. Erode and Virudhunagar populations show high germination capacity, while Myladuthurai and Perambalur show poor germination ability. These results provide a valuable basis for identifying superior seed sources, thereby supporting tree improvement programmes, ensuring the production of high-quality planting material, and promoting the large-scale cultivation and afforestation of Limonia acidissima, ultimately contributing to livelihood enhancement in dryland ecosystems.