Performance of Bhilawa (Semecarpus anacardium) collected from different seed sources of Chhattisgarh

Introduction

Semecarpus anacardium L., commonly known as Bhilawa or marking nut, is an important dryland fruit and medicinal tree species belonging to the family Anacardiaceae, which comprises over 500 species and 49 genera. This family includes several economically valuable members such as mango, cashew, pistachio, and charoli. Semecarpus anacardium is naturally distributed across the Indo-Malayan region and is commonly found in the sub-Himalayan belt from the Beas River to Assam and the Khasi hills, as well as central and western India including Gujarat, Konkan, South Maharashtra, and the deciduous forests of southern India. In Chhattisgarh, it is predominantly found in Jashpur, Kondagaon, and Mohla-Manpur, where climatic conditions favour its natural growth. This species is a deciduous tree, typically attaining a height of 10-20 meters with a stem girth of 1.0-1.5 m. Flowering occurs during June to August, while fruit maturation takes place from November to March. The tree bears small subsessile greenish-white to yellow flowers arranged in terminal panicles. The fruits are drupes with a characteristic purplish-black seed attached to a fleshy orange, red, or yellow cup-shaped hypocarp. Fruiting begins at around 3-4 years of age. Seed viability is generally low; hence, fresh seeds are preferred for propagation. Significant seed variability is observed within the species due to differences in geography, climate, and ecological factors. Variations in seed size, fruit dimensions, seed weight, and hypocarp characteristics directly influence germination behaviour, seedling vigor, and suitability for nursery and plantation programs. Because the species is mostly found in the wild and not extensively cultivated, natural populations exhibit a wide range of quantitative and qualitative traits. Beyond its ecological and morphological significance, Semecarpus anacardium holds immense medicinal value. The kernels contain approximately 26.4% protein, 36.4% fat, and significant minerals such as 295 mg calcium, 836 mg phosphorus, and 6.1 mg iron per 100 g. Vitamin A content is high, with around 185.50 mg per 100 g. The tree produces a highly vesicant phenolic liquid known as Bhilawa Shell Liquid (BSL), used industrially in paints, varnishes, polymers, and fire-resistant materials. Medicinally, various parts of the plant particularly the fruits are traditionally used to treat cancer, leprosy, hypertension, jaundice, neurological disorders, and snake/scorpion bites.

Gum resins have therapeutic applications, and the wood is used for light furniture and matchboxes. In Chhattisgarh, annual production is about 1350 tons, valued at approximately 0.85 crores, while Maharashtra yields around 1600 tons (Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce (Trading & Development) C0-operative Federation Ltd.). Individual mature trees can yield 30-35 kg of dried hypocarp and 50-60 kg of nuts. Due to its drought tolerance and suitability for semi-arid conditions, the species holds strong potential for agroforestry, social forestry, and afforestation programs, particularly in marginal lands. Given this ecological, medicinal, and economic significance, studying seed morphological variability across agro-climatic zones is crucial for identifying superior seed sources. Understanding these variations supports improved germination, nursery performance, genetic conservation, and large-scale plantation efforts. Semecarpus anacardium (Bhilawa) is known to exhibit poor and irregular germination under natural conditions, which poses a major constraint to its propagation and domestication. Therefore, understanding seed variability is particularly important for overcoming germination-related limitations. The present study aims to evaluate seed variability of Semecarpus anacardium collected from three major seed sources of Chhattisgarh Jashpur, Kondagaon, and Mohla-Manpur with a special focus on identifying seed traits that may contribute to improved germination and early seedling performance.

Materials and Methods

Seeds from three locations Kondagaon, Jashpur, and Mohla-Manpur were collected and grown in the Herbal Garden, IGKV Raipur, under the same environmental conditions to ensure uniformity during seedling development. The collected seeds were sown in polybags containing four types of potting mixtures: T₁ (Soil + FYM + Vermicompost in 2:1:1 ratio), T₂ (Soil + Vermicompost in 2:2 ratio), T₃ (Soil + FYM in 2:2 ratio), and T₄ (Control). Observations were recorded at 30, 60, 90, and 120 DAS. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with appropriate replications, and statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA to assess the significance of treatment and seed-source effects. Seeds were randomly selected from seed sample collected from three district of Chhattisgarh and pre-sowing seed treatments were adopted in which seeds were soaked in water for 24 hours then seed were removed Immediately and sowing war done just after.

Results and Discussion 1 Seedling Height

Seedling height varied significantly among seed sources, with T₂ (Kondagaon) producing the tallest seedlings (12.61 cm) at all stages, while T₁ (Jashpur) recorded the lowest (11.48 cm) mean height. Among potting mixtures, T₁ (Soil + Vermicompost + FYM) consistently showed the maximum height (13.80 cm), whereas T₄ (Control) produced the minimum (9.87 cm). The interaction effect revealed the highest height in KT₁ (14.50 cm) and the lowest in JT₄ (9.47 cm). Similar findings were reported by Sajana et al. (2016) [5, 6] and Negi & Sharma (2023) [16] , where vermicompostbased media enhanced seedling height and vigour.

Collar Diameter

Collar diameter differed significantly, with T₂ (Kondagaon) recording the highest overall mean value (2.41 mm) and T₁ (Jashpur) the lowest (2.09 mm). Among potting mixtures, the maximum diameter occurred in T₁ (Soil + Vermicompost + FYM) (2.45 mm) and the minimum in T₄ (2.00 mm). Interaction effects showed the highest collar diameter in KT₁/JT₂ (2.60 mm) and the lowest in MT₄ (1.75 mm). These results align with Sajana et al. (2016) [5,6] , who also reported improved stem thickness in nutrient-rich media.

Number of Leaves

Seed sources showed significant variation, with T₂ (Kondagaon) producing the highest mean number of leaves (11.28) and T₁ (Jashpur) the lowest (8.88). Among potting mixtures, T₁ (Soil + Vermicompost + FYM) recorded the maximum (11.36), while T₄ had the minimum (7.71). Interaction effects indicated KT₁ (12.75) showed the highest leaf count and MT₄ (7.25) as the lowest. These results agree with Essien et al. (2010) [10] , who emphasized the role of nutrient-rich media in leaf production.

Number of Branches

Seed sources significantly influenced branching, with T₂ (Kondagaon) recording the highest mean (5.3) and T₁ (Jashpur) the lowest (4.08). Potting mixtures showed maximum branching in T₁ (Soil + Vermicompost + FYM) (6.02) and the minimum in T₄ (2.68). Interaction effects recorded the highest branching in KT₁ (11.80) and the lowest in MT₄ (4.60). Similar improvements in branching due to enriched media were reported by Haque & Singh (2022) [7] and Sajana et al. (2016) [5,6] .

Root Length

Root length varied significantly, with T₂ (Kondagaon) showing the maximum (12.7 cm) and T₁ (Jashpur) the minimum (9.85 cm). Among potting mixtures, T₁ (Soil + Vermicompost + FYM) recorded the highest (13.10 cm) root length, whereas T₄ recorded (9.09 cm) the lowest. Interaction effects showed the maximum root length in KT₁ (15.90 cm) and the minimum in MT₄ (8.34 cm). These results agree with Okunlola & Adegeye (2023), who highlighted the positive role of organic amendments in enhancing root development.

Dry Root Weight

Dry root weight varied significantly among seed sources, with T₁ (Kondagaon) recording the maximum (0.99 g) and T₃ (Jashpur) the minimum (0.70 g). Among potting mixtures, T₁ (Soil + Vermicompost + FYM) showed the highest dry root weight (1.12 g), whereas T₄ (Control) recorded the lowest (0.59 g). Interaction effects revealed KT₁ (1.41 g) as the highest and JT₄ (0.47 g) as the lowest.

Similar findings was reported by Sajana et al. (2016) [5,6] and Seyoum et al. (2012) [11] , who reported enhanced root dry biomass under organic-amended media.

Fresh Root Weight

Fresh root weight varied significantly, with T₁ (Kondagaon) producing the maximum (6.28 g) and T₃ (Jashpur) the minimum (4.16 g) among seed sources. Across potting mixtures, T₁ (Soil + Vermicompost + FYM) recorded the highest fresh root weight (6.86 g), while T₄ (Control) showed the lowest (4.23 g). The interaction effect revealed the maximum fresh root weight in KT₁ (9.24 g) and the minimum in JT₄ (2.96 g). Similar enhancement in root fresh weight with organic amendments was reported by Sharma et al. (2018) [12] and Singh & Yadav (2021) [13] .

Dry Shoot Weight

Dry shoot weight differed significantly, with T₁ (Kondagaon) recording the highest (1.62 g) and T₃ (Jashpur) the lowest (1.48 g). Among potting mixtures, T₁ (Soil + Vermicompost + FYM) produced the highest dry shoot weight (1.83 g), whereas T₄ (Control) recorded the lowest (1.34 g). Interaction effects showed KT₁ (2.09 g) as the maximum and JT₄ (1.32 g) as the minimum. These results are supported Ghising et al. (2022) [14] and Shukla et al. (2016) [15] , who demonstrated improved shoot biomass under organic-rich media.

Fresh Shoot Weight

Fresh shoot weight varied significantly, with T₂ (Kondagaon) showing the highest (6.82 g) among seed sources and T₁ (Jashpur) the lowest (4.30 g). Across potting mixtures, T₁ (Soil + Vermicompost + FYM) recorded the maximum (6.78 g), while T₄ (Control) showed the minimum (3.80 g). Interaction effects showed the highest fresh shoot weight in KT₁ (8.30 g) and the lowest in JT₄ (3.12 g). These results align with Ghising et al. (2022) [14] who reported enhanced shoot biomass under organic media.

Seedling Vigour Index

Seedling vigour index differed significantly among treatments, with KT₁ (Soil + Vermicompost + FYM) recording the highest value (2598.59), while JT₄ (Control) recorded the lowest (781.43). The highest vigour index is attributed to improved germination, seedling height, and root length, whereas the lowest under control conditions indicates poor nutrient availability. Similar findings were reported by Sharma et al. (2023) [12] in Schleichera oleosa and Negi et al. (2022) [16] in Pinus gerardiana.

Conclusion

The present study clearly demonstrates that both seed source variation and potting mixture composition significantly influence the growth and vigour of Semecarpus anacardium seedlings. Among the seed sources, T₂ (Kondagaon) consistently outperformed others by producing the tallest seedlings, highest collar diameter, highest number of leaves and branches, as well as maximum root and shoot biomass. In contrast, T₁/T₃ (Jashpur) generally recorded the lowest values across most parameters. Across potting mixtures, T₁ (Soil + Vermicompost + FYM) proved to be the most effective medium, resulting in maximum seedling height, diameter, leaf and branch count, root length, fresh and dry biomass, and the highest Seedling Vigour Index. The control treatment (T₄) consistently produced the lowest growth and vigour, highlighting the crucial role of organic nutrient supplementation. The interaction effects further revealed that KT₁ was the most suitable combination for optimum seedling performance, producing the highest values for almost all morphological and biomass parameters. Conversely, JT₄ (Jashpur × Control) was the least effective. Overall, the study confirms that seed source selection combined with organic enriched growing media significantly enhances seedling quality. The use of vermicompost and FYM in the potting mixture greatly improves nutrient availability, root development, and overall vigour. Thus, for large-scale requirement of bhilawa seedlings for afforestation or plantation programme the combination of Kondagaon seed source with T1 treatment is recommended for achieving robust and high-quality planting stock of bhilawa (Semecarpus anacardium).

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