Author(s):

Rajesh P Gunaga, MM Mayur, SS Wanage, AB Mirgal and AD Rane

Abstract: Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde., (Ashoka) is one of the commercial important medicinal tree species of the Western Ghats that needs conservation attention. In the present study, germplasms from seven different seed sources of Ashoka were collected in the Konkan region of Maharashtra to study the variation in seed traits, germination and seedling vigour. Result showed that there was a significant variation for seed traits (length, thickness and weight) and seedling growth attributes (height, collar diameter, root length and number of leaves). Similarly, seed germination also varied significantly (54.8 to 100%; P<0.05) among seven seed sources. Germplasm collected from Dodamarg location resulted in superiority for seed size, germination and seedling growth attributes. Seed length and weight followed normal distribution and significant-positive relationship was recorded between them. The information generated in the study shows that there is potential scope for further improvement and conservation of Ashoka in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.

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