Floral biology studies in Bhuchanania under semi-arid ecosystem of western India

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the floral biology of 15 elite genotypes of chironji (Bhuchanania lanzan Spreng.) during 2004 and 2005. Peak period of panicle emergence and flowering were recorded in January- February. Highest panicle length (35.11 cm) was noted in CPT 1. Peak period of anthesis and dehiscence was recorded between 6-11 AM and 8 AM to 12 noon respectively in all the genotypes. The stamen and pistil length varied from 1.97-2.12 mm and 1.22-1.38 mm respectively being at the top in CPT 13. Pollen viability ranged from 54.55-70.38% being highest in CPT 5. Pollen germination and pollen diameter ranged from 20.00 to 35.00 % and 49.10 to 63.18 μ, respectively. Maximum stigma receptivity was recorded in CPT 5 (35.00 %) on the day of anthesis. The peak period of fruit set was recorded in February in majority of genotypes and it was noted maximum in CPT 12 (37.50). Fruit set / panicle was found to be positively and significantly associated with panicle length and it may be observed while selecting elite genotypes. Vegetatively propagated genotypes have been planted in the field for their further evaluation.