Short Note: Seed Source Variation in Seedling and Nodulation Characters in Dalbergia sissoo Roxb

Study was conducted involving 20 seed sources of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb., collected from the greater part of its distributional range to understand the variation, particularly in nodulation pattern associated with seed sources. Seedling height, number of nodules per seedling and seedling biomass exhibited strong seed source dependent variation. While collar diameter and nodule diameter showed statistically non-significant differences among seed sources. Significant positive correlations were observed between growth characters (seedling height, collar diameter and root length). Highly significant positive correlation was observed between total number of nodules/seedling with root length and seedling dry matter indicating the influence of root length on nodulation and in turn the effect of nodulation on seedling biomass production. The selection therefore, should be aimed at seed source with highest level of susceptibility to root nodulation with rhizobia which could perform well in the initial stages of plantation establishment on poor sites.