Upscaling of seabuckthorn cultivation in dry temperate zone of Himachal Pradesh

Investigations were carried out in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh to bring up systematic plantation of seabuckthorn on marginal land. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with five treatments and four replications consisting of two sites per replication. Over all, eight potential sites were identified for collection of cuttings from different species (Hippophae rhamnoides and H salicifolia). Mass propagation of species was done through hardwood cuttings taken from heavy bearing plants. In all about 122 ha new area was brought under seabuckthorn cultivation. Every year, the survival percentage of the plantations were calculated. Correlation studies indicated that fruiting and yield of seabuckthorn was be better at lower altitudes than at very high altitudes. The juice recovery from the fruits was also higher from plantations at lower altitudes. In established plantations increasing trends for survival rate were observed which ranged from 45–70%.