Evaluation of Potential Seed Stands for Selection of Superior Seed Sources of Tecomella undulata in Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Tecomella undulata is an important timber-yielding tree species of Rajasthan. This species is valuable for its high-quality wood and plays an important role in desert ecosystems and biodiversity conservation. The decline in the population of this species has led to the non-availability of genetically superior seed sources. To identify superior populations suitable for the establishment of Seed Production Areas and ex situ conservation programmes, the present study was undertaken to identify and comparatively evaluate the potential seed stands of T. undulata in Rajasthan as an effective strategy for the conservation of the species in desert ecosystems. For this, a reconnaissance survey was carried out in Rajasthan and nine potential seed stands were identified from five districts, namely, Barmer, Jaiselmer, Sri Ganganagar, Jodhpur, and Bikaner. Quadrats of 30 × 30 m were laid down at each of the surveyed stands for comparison among seed stands for desirable traits. The growth data recorded were statistically analysed to study the standardised growth traits, construct heat maps and determine clustering patterns to estimate the composite performance index, after which the stands were ranked in descending order to place superior seed stands at the top and inferior stands at the bottom. The two seed stands, Tenna and Mandpura from Jodhpur district, with composite scores of 0.98 and 0.88, respectively, emerged as the highest-ranked seed stands, followed by seed stands from Barmer and Jaiselmer. Selecting healthy and genetically superior populations ensures the availability of quality seeds for restoration and afforestation programmes. This approach supports sustainable regeneration, maintains genetic diversity, and strengthens the long-term survival of the species in arid regions.