Morphological and Growth Characteristics of Cashew Accessions in West Coast Region of Karnataka

Plant performance can be better understood by studying the complex factors controlling yield. Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is an important nut crop with social and economic importance worldwide. As detailed morphological characterization is one of the key steps for yield improvement, this study was carried out to analyze genotypic variation among cashew accessions in terms of morphological and growth characters. Significant differences in leaf morphological traits observed among cashew accessions. Leaf length and leaf width were maximum in VTH 30/4 and Bhaskara. VTH 30/4 and Ullal-3 recorded highest petiole length and number of total main veins among accessions. Priyanka recorded highest apple with nut weight whereas the TSS (R”BX) content was highest in VTH 174 among accessions indicating its sweetness with less astringency. Significant positive correlation observed betweenleaf morphological traits and canopy characters. The variation in leaf morphology and canopy charactersmay be linked togenotypic variation that could be exploited for future cashew selection and yield improvement programme.