Nature of variability and character associations for cone and seed characteristics in Pinus roxburghii Sargent plus trees

Abstract

Forty nine plus trees from the distributional range of Chlr pine falling in different forest divisions of Himachal Pradesh were selected for growth form and high resin yield. Data were recorded on cone and seed characteristics and statistically analysed. The result showed significant variation for all the traits studied. Genetic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability estimates and genetic advance as per cent of mean were found higher for cone weight, seeds/cone and 100-seed weight. Seed length, seed thickness, seed width, cone width and cone weight reflected positive direct effect on 100-seed weight whereas, cone length and seed per cone showed negative direct and indirect effect via other traits. The study revealed that seed length, seed width, seed thickness, cone length, cone width and cone weight are Important characters which showed direct effect on 100-seed weight.