Vol. 12, Issue 3 (2023)

Author(s):
Neetha P and Subodh Dhonde

Abstract:
Clear bole height (CBH) is a critical parameter in assessing the timber quality and merchantable value of trees. This study evaluates the variation in CBH among 90 Candidate Plus Trees (CPTs) of Azadirachta indica (Neem) selected from three semi-arid districts of South-Eastern Rajasthan: Jhalawar, Kota, and Baran. Trees were measured for total height, GBH, and CBH. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were applied to compare CBH variation across the three provenances. Post-hoc comparisons were performed using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results showed significant variation in CBH among locations, with the highest mean CBH recorded in Jhalawar, followed by Kota and Baran. The findings suggest that provenance-level differences in bole development could influence timber quality and selection strategies for superior planting stock in semi-arid forestry. These results support the targeted use of high-CBH genotypes in plantation programs aimed at maximizing merchantable wood yield.