Evaluation of provenances for seedling attributes in teak

Abstract

A randomized block design experiment involving the performance of selected provenances ie., Arienkavu, Konni, Malayattur, Nilambur, Parambikulam, Wynad and Thrissur (Local provenance) of Tectona grandis Linn. F. initiated during June, 1995 was used for the present investigation. The objective of the study included qualifying the seed characters, growth parameters, physiological and anatomical characters, root growth potential, field establishment and also elucidating the extent of nutrient uptake pattern, besides characterising the nutrient status dynamics. Seed characteristics like mean number of seeds per kg, 100 seed weight, purity percentage and individual seed parameters were found to vary significantly among the provenances tested. Parambikulam was found to be superior to other provenances, while local provenance recorded the least values for most of the parameters. Germination behaviour of teak provenances in the laboratory varied considerably among provenances. The overall performance was better in Konni which recorded a high germination percentage, peak value and MDG. Malayattur was showed to be inferior in these respects. Shoot, root growth, biomass allocation pattern, RGR and NAR were followed the trend that, Parambikulam, Nilambur and Malayattur consistently registered better growth rates in most of the stages of experimental period while, local provenance recorded the least values. Physiological parameters like LDR, transpiration rate, leaf water potential and RWC were influenced considerably among the provenances. Anatomical character like stomatal frequency was also varied among provenances throughout the period. Concentration of nutrient in the different plant parts and uptake pattern were found to be higher in Malayattur, Nilambur and Parambikulam especially with a high magnitude of N use efficiency. Local provenance registered a low accumulation of nutrients in different plant parts. Root growth potential studies showed significant variation among the provenances. Malayattur and Nilambur provenances had relatively higher values in RGP. While, Thrissur recorded a poor growth performance in this respect.