Studies on the Variability Analysis in Soapnut (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.) of Himachal Pradesh

An experiment was conducted, in order to select better seed sources for improved genetic material and quality production of Sapindus mukorossi . Twenty four seed sources and two D.B.H. classes from Himachal Pradesh were evaluated on the basis of fruits and seeds morphometric traits and germination parameters in laboratory condition. The study revealed significant variation among different seed sources for all traits, except seed viability while, all morphometric, germination traits in lab condition did not show distinct significant variation between D.B.H. classes. Seed sources which have higher seed weight and seed diameter showed better performance over others, those seed with lower seed weight and seed diameter comparatively. The range of seed sources mean were found appreciably broad for 100 fruits weight 571.00- 240.03 g (S 16 -S 21 ), 100 seed weight 226.05-140.63 g (S 16 -S 3 ), rind weight 3.45-1.32 g (S 16 -S 21 ), seed diameter 17.02-12.40 mg (S 16 -S 21 ) and kernel weight 613.48-352.80 mg (S 16 -S 21 ) among different seed sources. On other hand among D.B.H. classes the range were 387.58-386.04 g (D 2 -D 1 ), 100 seed weight 166.62-166.31 g (D 2 -D 1 ), rind weight 2.22-2.21 g (D 2 -D 1 ), seed diameter 13.84-13.82 mg (D 2 -D 1 ) and kernel weight 420.66-417.94 mg (D 1 -D 2 ). Banjar seed source was found to be superior and best followed by Garsa seed source for all studied traits over all other seed sources.