Phenotypic and Quantative Characterization of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) Germplasm under Eastern Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Eastern region of Uttar Pradesh is very rich in biodiversity for ber but still less harnessed. The agro-climatic conditions of eastern region do have great potential for its commercial cultivation. Keeping these in view, fruit sample with shoot were collected from fourty genotypes of ber in diverse areas of eastern region of Uttar Pradesh and analysed for various physiological attributes and results of study shows a wide range of variability in morphological and quantitative parameters. Among the parameters leaf shape of  different genotypes show a wide variation and mainly  Cordate, Oval, Obovate and Elliptic shape are found. The stone shape recorded showed Obtuse, acute, oblong, showed round stone shaped. Among the quantitative variability of different genotypes stone weight (0.56 g to 1.58 g), stem girth (25.90 cm to 62.63 cm) and hight of tree (3.43 m to 5.50 m) varivility was also recorded. Therefore, on the basis of morphological and quantitative attributes, genotypes–7,14,15, 18, 21and 30 were screened as promising genotypes can be recommended for commercial multiplication, growing at farmer’s field and conservation in the field gene bank for further evaluation and crop improvement.