Provenance Variation in Seed Germination and Oil Content of Calophylluminophyllum L. Suitable to South Indian Condition

The present investigation was carried out at Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam, Tamilnadu to identify the best half sibs of Calophyllum inophyllum across its natural distribution of south India for further collection of seeds for afforestation or breeding purpose. Seeds are sown in nursery to study the variation in germination and initial growth parameters viz., oil content, germination percent, germination value, peak value, mean daily germination of seedlings. Seeds collected from Western Ghats of Karnataka were superior compared to seeds from other parts in all the traits considered for the study. These seed sources can be further screened for tree improvement traits considering their immense value in yielding bio diesel.