Substantial number of albino seedlings of soapnut (Sapindus trifoliatus L)

Soapnut (Sapindus trifoliatus L) is an important non-timber forest product. Its pericarp is used as soap to clean the hair, ornamentals, silk cloths and wools. A study was carried out to find out the influence of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination in soapnut. During germination, a substantial number of albino seedlings were noticed in the experiment though the seed lot used in this experiment was from single tree source. The total number of albino seedlings recorded was 382 representing about 23 per cent of the total seedling stock raised. Such information would be helpful in ecological and population genetic studies.