Improved genotypes of harad (Terminalia chebula): a new potential crop for Jammu & Kashmir region of India

Abstract

Due to its multipurpose uses and market potential, interest in the domestication of Harad has received much impetus recently. The large-sized fruit of Harad fetches a higher price in national and international markets. The present study was conducted in farmers’ fields in three villages of Jammu district. Trees were grouped into three categories: i. Improved (5-10 years old), ii improved (10-15 years old), and iii naturally growing (15-20 years old). By random sampling, ten trees were selected and analyzed for tree parameters (height, diameter, crown spread) and fruit parameters (fruit length, diameter, fresh fruit weight, fresh pulp weight and dry fruit weight, fruit yield per tree, and fruit productivity). Natural growing plants were 15-20 years old, whereas tree ages in the improved groups were 5-10 years and 10-15 years. Both groups of improved plants had significantly lower sizes (height, diameter and crown spread) than natural growing plants. Fruit parameters (fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit fresh weight, fresh pulp weight per fruit) of both the improved groups were statistically at par and like their mother tree due to precocity but significantly higher than the natural plants. Maximum fruit yield per plant and per hectare was observed in improved plants of 10-15 years age group, followed by improved trees of 5-10 years age-group. Minimum yield per tree was observed in naturally growing plants (15-20 years) despite their largest crown spread due to small-sized fruits. The price received by the farmers and net margins for pre-harvest contractors and forwarding agents were higher for improved Harad than natural Harad.