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

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, ischolar_main 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.