Vol. 11, Special Issue 6 (2022)

Author(s):
Sumit Nangla, HP Sankhyan and Neerja Rana

Abstract:
To determine the variation among different populations and growing genotypes for fodder characteristics of leaves. Five female genotypes of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don at each site were selected at the time of fruit set i.e., during August-September, when male and female could be differentiated and leaves are at maturity. The selected genotypes were used for the assessment the fodder variation of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don in Spiti valley and Baspa valley. Variation in fodder traits of different sites of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don within and between different populations were studied. All the fodder characters showed significant variation among and between different populations. Among the proximate composition maximum leaf dry matter content (60.24%), crude fibre (16.70%) were recorded in Badseri. On the other hand, 100 leaves fresh weight (6.65 g) in Chitkul and 100 leaves dry weight (3.48 g) in Kupa was recorded. The coefficient of variation and other genetic parameter also signify varied between all the studied parameters Due to tremendous variability in population, the population can be used for future variability approaches and breeding programmes and for preparation of DUS guidelines of this species. It is suggested that for further propagation programmes, genepools from Sangla Valley should be used and it can be planted on wastelands to develop grazing areas for sheep and goats and harvesting of leaves for Seabuckthorn value addition chain.