Screening of cashew germplasm for higher nut weight and yield in lateritic soils under rainfed conditions

Five hundred thirty three cashew genotypes of seedling origin with 25 years age were evaluated under rainfed conditions in poor, red gravelly lateritic soils. It was found that, 3 trees namely Tree No 33, 38 and 50 recorded more nut weight and yield. Tree No. 38 recorded more nut weight (8 g) and yield (24.3 kg/tree) followed by Tree No 50 with nut weight (7 g) and yield (23.5 kg/tree) and Tree No 33 with nut weight (7 g) and yield (20.7 kg/tree). Thirteen trees viz; Tree No. 34, 35, 51, 62, 63, 73, 110, 127, 385, 407, 408, 412 and 448 recorded nut weight in the range of (7–11 g) and less yield (8.25 -17.3 kg/tree) and remaining 517 trees recorded less nut weight in the range of (2–3.9 g) and less yield (5- 18.9 kg/tree) than control BPP-2.