GENETIC DIVERSITY ASSESSMENT OF Melia dubia CAV. IN SOUTH GUJARAT

Significant morphological variations in stem leaf fruit and stone characteristics among Melia dubia populations in South Gujarat. Phenotypic traits such as leaf width petiole length rachis length fruit weight pulp weight stone weight and number of seeds/drupes showed higher variability among populations. These traits could be used for the selection and improvement of M. dubia as a fodder species. However the study also found a strong association between leaf length and petiole length fruit weight and stone length. Geo-climatic variables showed moderate to strong associations with foliar traits while fruit size showed moderate dependency. The study suggests hybridization between Kaprada and Waghai or Sagai and Nanapondha populations could yield promising results.