Relationship of cone and seed traits on progeny growth performance in Casuarina equisetifolia FORST. & FORST.f.

An experiment was carried out to elucidate the relationship of cone and see d traits on juvenile and adult growth of Casuarina equisetifolia FORST. & F ORST.f. Cones and seeds were collected from 18 selected trees. Samples of 1 0 cones and 25 seeds were taken in 4 replications to measure 2D surface are a, length, breadth, weight, roundness and aspect ratio. Five seedlings in 4 replications from each seedlot were planted in randomized block design at 2 m spacing. Progeny height and diameter were recorded at juvenile (18 mont hs after sowing - 18 MAS) and mature (60 months after sowing - 60 MAS) stag es. Significance test and estimation of variability, heritability and genet ic advance were carried out. The seed and cone morphological characters wer e found to have high heritability and genetic advance values than tree grow th characters. Correlation of cone or seed traits on progeny growth charact ers and path analysis of seed traits on diameter at 60 MAS were carried out . The 100 seed weight was found to have significant correlation consistentl y on progeny growth characters both at juvenile and mature stages. Shape ch aracters like roundness and aspect ratio also showed significant correlatio n on progeny growth. Juvenile-adult correlation was established with diamet er growth of juvenile on both height and diameter growth at 60 MAS. Seed 2D surface area had high direct and indirect effect on diameter at 60 MAS. Id entification of better seed sources or grading of seeds may be carried out based on seed weight and/or size and/or shape to get better progenies.