CASHEW GERMPLASM OF TAMIL NADU: CHARACTERIZATION AND CATALOGUING

Abstract

Germplasm maintenance of a crop is very essential to conserve the genetic variability. Documentation and characterization of the germplasm accessions will help the researchers in identifying the accessions with specific character which will be useful in crop improvement programme. A large number of new, undescribed germplasm of cultivared cashew (Anacardium occidentale) has been collected in India (Bhaskara Rao and Swamy, 1994). At the Regional Research Station, Vridhachalam cashew germplasm collection has been made since 1963. The accessions were collected from the forest plantations, farmers’ fields, and research stations of Tamil nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh and few from other countries. In the Regional Cashew Gene Bank (RCGB), the clonal accessions were panted during 1994. Cataloguing was done in 125 cashew germplasm accessions. These accessions have been grown in rain fed condition by adopting the recommended package of practices. The cataloguing has been done in accordance with the IBPGR descriptors. The catalogue contains characterization data expressed in 68 data fields (01-68). 106 accessions have upright and compact tree habit (84.8%) and the branching habit was extensive in 98 accessions. Maximum number of accessions had mid-season flowering and 78 accessions had compact inflorescence and medium sex ratio. The nut weight was intermediate in 59 accessions (47.2%) and low in 64 accessions. 21 accessions had medium cumulative nut yield and 104 accessions had low cumulative nut yield.