Growth pattern and architectural analysis of nine important multipurpose trees in an arid region of India

Abstract

Nine multipurpose tree species (Acaciacatechu (L.f.) Willd., Acacianilotica (L.) Delile, Albizialebbeck (L.) Benth., Azadirachtaindica A. Juss., Dalbergiasissoo Roxb., Meliaazedarach L., Morusalba L., Prosopiscineraria (L.) Druce, and Ziziphusmauritiana Lam.) growing in the dry monsoonic climate of northwestern India showed a wide variation in growth pattern and shoot architecture. Six-year-old trees growing in plantation monocultures were sampled. The growing period varied from 194 days in D. sissoo to 301 days in A. nilotica. Annual shoot extension and radial growth varied from 20.6 to 111.2 cm and from 2.2 to 9.3 mm, respectively. Significant differences were found (P < 0.05) among species and among positions within the crown of each species. Dalbergiasissoo, M. azedarach, and Morusalba completed most of their growth in 120 days during the initial dry part of the growing season; these species apparently are able to utilize food reserves of the preceding year for growth. The remaining species showed a more exploitive growth strategy, having a longer period of growth which began in the dry season, but most shoot extension was completed during the rainy season that followed. Branch angle also differed significantly (P < 0.05) among crown positions of each species, except A. nilotica and D. sissoo.