Analysis of Diversity and Distribution of Pongamia [Pongamiapinnata (L.) Pierre] Germplasm Collections from Two Distinct Eco-Geographical Regions in India

Abstract

Analysis of Diversity and Distribution of Pongamia [Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre] Germplasm Collections from Two Distinct Eco-Geographical Regions in India Collection and study of extent of diversity available in Pongamianative oil bearing tree species is the fundamental and significant requirement for its effective utilization. Two survey missions undertaken in distinct eco-geographical regions of India viz. Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan states of India formed the basis of the present study. The data on in-situ traits viz. pod length, pod width, pod thickness, seed length, seed width, seed thickness and the nursery traits viz. seedling girth, seedling height and number of leaves was recorded. There was good variation for these traits among the accessions collected from both the states. The extent of variation was in conformity with the earlier studies from several other regions of the country, which implied that pod and seed traits have a limited range. It was also inferred that cross pollination (pollination by bees) and open pollination did not significantly impact the extent of variation among the germplasm collections from Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan respectively; and using the DIVAGIS software we were able to identify the diversity rich pockets in these two states. The D2 statistic grouped the accessions from Chhattisgarh into seven diverse clusters and those from Rajasthan into four. It was concluded that use of phenotypic data along with the molecular markers data would effectively bring out the extent of diversity for utilization in Pongamia crop improvement...