Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Vikalp, Mukesh Kumar, JR Sharma, Mukesh Bishnoi, Swati Rani and Arjoo

Abstract:
The present study was conducted to characterize the ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) germplasm for their growth attributes under the semi-arid condition. The evaluated germplasm had significant variability for the observed parameters. Erect growth habit was observed in three germplasm, viz. Bawal Ber 4, Bawal Ber 10 and Bawal Ber 11; however, spreading type of growth habit was observed in four germplasm, viz. Bawal Ber 9, BS 1, BS 2 and BS 3, while semi-erect growth habit was observed in most of the germplasm. Germplasm could be classified based on shoot surface, viz. smooth and tomentose. The main characters for classification of germplasm was the leaf shape, viz. oval, obovate, cordate and ovate; fruit shape; stone shape. Leaves of Bawal Ber 1 to 5, Bawal Ber 9, Bawal Ber 10, Bawal Ber 11 and BS 3 were observed oval in shape; leaves of Bawal Ber 6 to 8 were obovate; leaves of BS 1 and BS 2 were cordate in shape, and; leaves of Bawal Ber 12 were ovate. Further different germplasm showed considerable variation in leaf pubescence on the lower side i.e., densely tomentose, sparsely tomentose and smooth. Germplasm could also be classified based on the branch thorniness, viz. less, medium and high. Different germplasm of ber showed a considerable variation in thorn shape, fruit weight, stone weight, yield. The thorns of Bawal Ber 12 were all curved, while the thorns of all the rest of the germplasm were observed as alternate curved. The germplasm also showed considerable variation and classified on the basis of fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, stone weight, fruit set percent, fruit maturity group, yield etc.