Effect of different forest types and populations on drupe morphometric characters of teak, Tectona grandis L f in India

Drupe morphometric characters were studied in different teak forest types, different populations and their interaction where trees were growing. Drupes/fruits were collected from 3 different teak forest types viz very moist teak forest (Kerala), moist teak forest (Gujarat) and dry teak forest (Maharashtra) which represented 2 populations in each forest type. Drupe traits are central components of plant life histories and show seed development potential and seedling establishment. Traits such as drupe length, drupe width, drupe weight, stone length, stone width and stone weight were highly influenced by teak forest types and site quality (populations). Higher values for all drupe traits were obtained from very moist teak forest as compared to moist teak and dry teak forests. In overall Elivaly population performed better than all others and their interactions in which they grew due to light, temperature, water and nutrient availability. Drupe development and fitness were influenced by geo-climatic variables such as latitude and rainfall however longitude and temperature showed non-significant effect. All drupe traits strongly were inter-correlated to one another and showed that healthy seed developed itself completely in all dimensions. Thus drupe development, collection and regeneration of different teak forests in India are directly related to drupe characters. For superior quality seed production within a forest type or between teak forest types, drupe production area should be properly identified and delineated.