Correlation Studies on Floral Behavior of Chironji Populations (Buchanania lanzan Spreng) from Natural Forest Northern India

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted during 2022-23 and 2023-24. Survey was carried out across various districts in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat, recording latitude and longitude for data collection and identification. Data were collected using minimal descriptors for characterization and evaluation of agri-horticultural crops, following PPV & FRA guidelines. Floral characteristics were recorded in 74 chironji accessions. The colour of fully bloom flower was recorded, 59 accessions noted creamy white with pink tinge, while 15 had creamy white flowers. The average number of flowers per inflorescence ranged from 1,954 to 3,650, with mean of 2,732. The average inflorescence length varied from 14.23 cm to 28.50 cm with mean of 20.23 cm and the average inflorescence width ranged from 15 cm to 34.55 cm with mean of inflorescence with 26.47 cm. The average number of peduncles per inflorescence ranged from 5.50 to 13.50, with mean of 10.00. Significant positive correlations were found among the floral characteristics. The average number of flowers per inflorescence strongly correlated with average inflorescence width (r = 0.809, p < 0.01) and moderately with the average number of peduncles per inflorescence (r = 0.543, p < 0.01) and average inflorescence length (r = 0.476, p < 0.01). The average inflorescence length showed a moderate correlation with average inflorescence width (r = 0.540, p < 0.01) and a weak correlation with the average number of peduncles (r = 0.233, p < 0.05). The average inflorescence width had a strong correlation with the average number of flowers per inflorescence and a moderate correlation with the average number of peduncles (r = 0.453, p < 0.01).