Influence of seed sources on germination and seedling vigour of Pinus gerardiana

An experiment was conducted to study the influence of seed sources on seed germination and seedling vigour of Pinus gerardiana seeds collected from 23 seed sources during October, 2018 in Kinnaur and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh. The seeds were subjected to germination testing to identify the best seed source for raising Pinus gerardiana seedlings in the nursery. Significant differences were observed in germination percent, average seedling length and seedling vigour of seeds collected from different seed sources. The maximum germination of 83.00% was recorded in seeds collected from Jangi seed source followed by 74.00% germination in seeds collected from Purbani, 71.00% germination in seeds collected from Moorang in Kinnaur Forest Division whereas minimum germination of 36.00% germination was recorded in seeds collected from Luj in Pangi Forest Division. Similarly, maximum seedling length of 11.10 cm was recorded in seeds collected from Jangi followed by 10.50 cm in seeds collected from Purbani and 10.21 cm in seeds collected from Moorang in Kinnaur Forest Division whereas minimum seedling length of 7.70 cm was recorded from seeds collected from Luj in Pangi Forest Division. The maximum seedling vigour index of 921 was recorded in seeds collected from Jangi followed by seedling vigour index of 777 from Purbani and seedling vigour index of 724 from Moorang in a decreasing order whereas minimum seedling vigour index of 277 was recorded in seeds collected from Luj in Pangi Forest Division. It is recommended on the basis of present investigation that seeds of Pinus gerardiana should be collected from Jangi seed source in Kinnaur district for raising quality seedlings in the nursery.