Varietal Evaluation of Tamarind Under Scarce Rainfall Zone

Fifteen varieties of 9 years old tamarind were evaluated under scarce rainfall zone grown under rain fed for 3 years i.e. 2004,2005 and 2006 at Horticultural Research Station, Anantapur. Highest plant height per tree (4.9 m) was recorded in V-59 followed by V-29(4.8 m). The stem girth was highest (62.1cm) in PKM-1 followed by V-29 (59.4 cm). The no of branches per tree were more in B-163 (6.1) followed by V-59 (5.6). The seasonal growth was highest in H-77(43.8 cm) followed by ATPS-2 (33.6 cm). Maximum fruit weight (32.8 g) was observed in V-2 followed by V-1 (31.3 g). The fruit length was highest (18.4 cm) in V-1 followed by N-1(16.2 cm). The fruit width was maximum (3.3 cm) in ATPS-1 followed by PKM-1(3.2 cm). The fruit thickness was more (1.82 cm) in V-2 followed by V-1 (1.8 cm). The no. of seeds per pod were more (8.8) in V-1 followed by PKM-1(8.3). The seed weight/pod was highest (4.5 g) in V-1 followed by N-1(4.4 g). The fiber weight was highest (0.4 g) in V-1 followed by N-1(0.42g).The shell weight was more (4.5 g) in V-1 followed by N-1(4.4 g). Highest yield per tree was recorded (10.6 kg) in V-2 followed by ATPS-1 (8.2 kg). Some of physical parameters in all 15 varieties were also studied, the verities vize: N-1,V-112, H-77, V-2, Pratistan and JK-1 Were identified as dwarf as their plant height was below 3.76 m. Dwarfness is a desirable character for accommodating more plants per unit area which give more yield. The var.V-2 and ATPS-1 with more yield, V-1 and N-1 with more fruit length and ATPS-1 and PKM-1 with more fruit width were best suitable varieties for scarce rain fall zone.