Fodder Quality Evaluation of Grewia laevigata Vahl. : a Lesser Known Tree Species of Shiwaliks

Study of the fodder quality parameters of Grewia laevigata Vahl., was undertaken with a view to harness its potential in future breeding programme and to encourage the farmers to plant the species to enhance fodder productivity. The study was conducted in the Shiwalik region of two districts of Himachal Pradesh to estimate leaf fodder nutritional value and its variation at different sites. Nutrient contents and leaf proximate composition were worked out along with their correlation co-efficient, heritability and genetic gain. The study concluded that significant differences in mineral nutrients, except for potassium and also for proximate principles, showed variability between the populations in different localities. Mineral nutrients and proximate principles exhibited phenotypic variability higher than the genotypic ones with very less differences between the two levels. Thus indicating that these are least influenced by the environmental parameters. Hence selection of superior genotypes in 'nallah' locations is most suitable in comparison to other locations for further multiplication and breeding programmes for increasing fodder productivity.