PROVENANCE VARIATION IN GROWTH, PHYSIOLOGY, ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND FOLIAR NUTRIENT STATUS OF TEAK (<em>TECTONA</em> <em>GRANDIS</em>) SEEDLINGS

Abstract

Teak seedlings representing seven provenances from Kerala (India) were examined for their differences in characteristics between June 1995 and July 1996. Seeds collected and bulked by provenance were pretreated and sown in a nursery. Data were collected on growth attributes, physiological and anatomical parameters, and foliar nutrient status of the seedlings. Large variations among provenances were observed in growth characteristics such as dry weight of stem, leaf and root, and specific leaf area. Provenances Parambikulam, Nilambur and Malayattur were found, during most of the observation intervals, to grow faster, while the local provenance (Thrissur)
generally showed the lowest values. Physiological parameters such as photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, leaf water potential and relative water content, and anatomical characteristics such as stomatal frequency were also found to be significantly higher in provenances Parambikulam, Nilambur and Malayattur. These three provenances also registered a high concentration of nutrients in different plant parts, showing their superior performance in the nursery.