Morphological diversity among different populations of Grewia optiva J.R. Drumm. Ex Burret in Western Himalaya, India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ija.2026.28.01.13Keywords:
Grewia optiva, Western Himalayas, Morphological variability, Phenotypic diversity, Growth traits, Leaf morphometry, Fruit morphology, CorrelationAbstract
Grewia optiva is an important multipurpose tree species widely distributed in the Northwestern Himalayas. The present study aimed to assess eco-geographical variation in growth, leaf, and fruit traits across Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, India. The field surveys were conducted at twelve sites located in Hoshiarpur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts of Punjab and Una and Solan districts of Himachal Pradesh. At each site, trees were categorized into three diameter classes (10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, and >30 cm), with a minimum of five trees sampled per class. The significant variation was observed among locations for most traits. The plant height ranged from 3.38 m at Ballowal Saunkri to 12.72 m at Nauni. The maximum crown spread was recorded at Nauni (4.74 m) and Janauri (4.73 m). The number of primary branches did not differ significantly among locations. The secondary branches showed significant variation, with values ranging from 5.33 at Badwar to 13.67 at Dholwaha. The primary branch angle ranging from 26.33° at Bhaddi to 46.67° at Dehni. Leaf traits also varied considerably, maximum leaf length (13.86 cm), Leaf width (7.32 cm), leaf area (45.62 cm²), maximum fresh weight (76.59 g) and dry weight (38.09 g) of 100 leaves were recorded at Nauni. Fruit characteristics also showed significant variability; Fresh and dry weights of leaves were highest at Nauni and lowest at Ballowal Saunkri. Fruit traits also differed significantly; maximum fruit length (5.06 mm), width (4.30 mm), and dry weight (13.54 g) were recorded at Nauni, while Lambalahri showed maximum fruit thickness (4.20 mm) and fresh weight (21.88 g). Higher diameter classes (D2 and D3) consistently exhibited superior growth and biomass traits compared to D1. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among growth, leaf, and biomass parameters. The study highlights substantial phenotypic variability and identifies Nauni, Kailar, and Gaura as superior populations for selection and genetic improvement.
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