Variability studies for seed and seedling traits in Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre at Tamilnadu.

The present investigation was carried out at Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu to identify the best half sibs of Pongamia pinnata across its natural distribution areas in south India for further collection of seeds for afforestation or breeding purpose. The seeds were collected from different agro climatic zones of Tamil Nadu. Seeds were measured for its length, width, thickness, test weight and volume and then sown in nursery to study the variation in germination and initial growth parameters and biomass viz., germination per cent, germination vigour, shoot length, root length and root and shoot dry weight of seedlings. Seeds collected from southern zone were superior compared to seeds from other parts in all the traits considered for the study. These seed sources can be further screened for tree improvement traits considering their immense value in yielding bio diesel.