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Abstract

World Health Organization estimated that 80 per cent of the population of developing countries depends on traditional medicines. Among which India�s contribution is 15-20 % for 2000 drugs of plant origin. Demand for medicinal plants is increasing because of having no side effects, easily available at affordable prices and sometimes the only source of health care available to the poor. Cassia fistula L. is an important medicinal plant valued for ornamental purposes.The present study was undertaken to evaluate the growth performance of provenances of Cassia fistula from five agro climatic zones of northern Karnataka viz., North-eastern transition zone, North-eastern dry zone, Northern dry zone, Northern Transitional zone and Hilly zone. Significant differences among the provenances were observed for various seedling parameters. Results revealed that the seedlings grown from the seeds collected from Hilly zone and Northern Transitional zone showed better performance. The maximum Chlorophyll content was found in Hilly zone (21.90 mg/ g fresh weight) followed by Northern Dry zone (20.50 mg/ g fresh weight). However the lowest Chlorophyll content was found in the North Eastern Transition Zone i.e. 19.10 mg/ g fresh weight. At 180 days after germination average relative water content (%) varied significantly. Significantly more relative water content was recorded in Hilly zone (90.0). The lowest relative water content was observed in Northern Dry zone (82.6). Therefore, seeds from these two provenances can be used for future afforestation programme.

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