Morphological variation in fruits of Terminalia chebula Retz. across the agro-climatic zones of Chhattisgarh

Introduction

Terminalia chebula Retz. is an important medicinal tree species widely used in traditional systems of medicine and valued for its therapeutic and commercial significance. The fruits contain several bioactive compounds such as tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties (Bag et al., 2013; Wang et al., 2024) [1,33] . Due to these pharmacological activities, T. chebula is extensively utilized in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and herbal industries. The fruits of T. chebula form a major component of Triphala, a well-known Ayurvedic formulation prepared from Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Emblica officinalis. Triphala is widely used for treating digestive disorders, improving metabolism, and enhancing overall health (Singh et al., 2023) [29] . Traditionally, the fruits are valued for their laxative, astringent, stomachic, and tonic properties and are commonly prescribed for gastrointestinal and metabolic ailments (Bag et al., 2013; Jaiswal et al., 2016) [1,11] . Chhattisgarh exhibits diverse agroclimatic conditions that influence plant growth, development, and fruit characteristics. Variations in temperature, rainfall, soil type, and altitude across different zones affect morphological traits, resulting in significant differences in fruit size, shape, and weight due to genotype × environment interactions (Fitter and Hay, 2002) [8] . Such environmental heterogeneity plays a crucial role in determining phenotypic expression in forest tree species.

Morphological evaluation of fruit traits is essential for identifying superior genotypes for tree improvement and commercial production, particularly in economically important medicinal species. Larger fruit size and higher pulp content are considered desirable traits for both therapeutic and commercial purposes (Rajini, 2014) [25] . However, limited information is available on the agroclimatic influence on fruit morphology of T. chebula in Chhattisgarh. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess the effect of different agroclimatic zones on fruit morphological traits and to identify promising genotypes for future tree improvement programmes.

Methodology

The study was conducted during 2023-2024 across three major agroclimatic zones of Chhattisgarh, namely the Northern Hills, Chhattisgarh Plains, and Bastar Plateau. Two representative locations were selected from each zone: Baikunthpur and Manendragarh (Northern Hills), Dhamtari and Gariyaband (Chhattisgarh Plains), and Dantewada and Jagdalpur (Bastar Plateau). These zones differ in climate, rainfall, temperature, and vegetation, providing diverse environmental conditions for evaluating fruit morphology. For fruit sampling, three sites were selected within each study area. Mature fruits of Terminalia chebula were collected during the natural maturity period from mid-October to mid-December in 2023 and 2024. At each site, ten healthy trees were randomly chosen from different forest stands, maintaining a minimum distance of 1 km between tree clusters to minimize genetic similarity. From each selected tree, 10 to 30 fruits were collected for morphological evaluation. Collected fruits were cleaned and air-dried before analysis. Important morphological traits, including fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, pulp weight, seed weight, and pulp-to-seed ratio, were measured using standard procedures. Fruit length and diameter were recorded with a digital vernier calliper, while weights were measured using an electronic balance. The recorded data were subjected to statistical analysis to assess variation among agroclimatic zones and genotypes. Mean values, range, and standard deviation were calculated for each trait.

Results

A comprehensive survey conducted during 2023 and 2024 across the three major agroclimatic zones of Chhattisgarh revealed considerable variation in fruit and tree characteristics of Terminalia chebula. Significant differences were observed in fruit shape, colour, size, fresh and dry weight, pulp content, and seed weight, along with tree height and girth at breast height, indicating wide phenotypic diversity within and among the studied populations. Northern Hills Zone In the Northern Hills zone, fruit length ranged from 20.25 to 46.25 mm with a mean of 30.70±5.74 mm, while fruit breadth varied between 12.45 and 33.55 mm, averaging 19.81±3.56 mm. Fruit area ranged from 34.80 to 87.80 mm² with a mean of 50.46±9.33 mm². Fresh fruit weight varied from 4.51 to 17.10 g, with an average of 7.61±2.48 g, whereas dry fruit weight ranged from 2.09 to 11.66 g, with a mean of 4.16±1.57 g. Dry pulp weight and dry seed weight ranged from 1.15 to 6.03 g and 0.54 to 5.63 g, with mean values of 2.58±0.99 g and 1.55±0.82 g, respectively. The pulp-to-seed ratio ranged from 0.95 to 3.38, averaging 1.94±0.60. Moisture content varied between 1.23% and 2.37%, with a mean of 1.86±0.25%. Tree height ranged from 6.0 to 17.0 m with an average of 11.87±2.70 m, while girth at breast height varied from 46.0 to 226.0 cm, averaging 138.28±36.25 cm.

Chhattisgarh Plains Zone

In the Chhattisgarh Plains zone, fruit length ranged from 25.80 to 47.30 mm with a mean of 34.57±4.93 mm, while fruit breadth averaged 22.17±2.00 mm. Fruit area ranged from 42.80 to 72.80 mm² with a mean of 56.76±6.36 mm². Fresh fruit weight varied from 5.44 to 16.30 g, averaging 9.68±2.86 g. Dry fruit weight ranged from 2.98 to 9.04 g, with a mean of 5.03±1.34 g. Dry pulp and seed weights ranged from 1.93 to 6.20 g and 0.50 to 4.18 g, with mean values of 2.96±0.83 g and 2.07±0.80 g, respectively. The pulp-to-seed ratio varied from 0.58 to 3.26, averaging 1.76±0.53. Moisture content ranged from 1.06% to 2.75%, with a mean of 1.99±0.25%. Tree height ranged from 5.0 to 19.0 m with an average of 11.45±4.20 m, while girth varied from 37.0 to 246.0 cm, averaging 132.64±53.27 cm.

Bastar Plateau Zone

In the Bastar Plateau zone, fruit length ranged from 23.15 to 63.00 mm with a mean of 33.70±6.28 mm, while fruit breadth averaged 19.90±2.35 mm. Fruit area ranged from 42.10 to 84.70 mm² with a mean of 53.40±7.52 mm². Fresh fruit weight varied from 3.77 to 14.80 g, averaging 7.33±2.23 g. Dry fruit weight ranged from 1.98 to 6.89 g, with a mean of 4.12±1.27 g. Dry pulp and seed weights ranged from 0.95 to 4.85 g and 0.37 to 3.86 g, with mean values of 2.42±1.00 g and 1.67±0.68 g, respectively. The pulp-to-seed ratio ranged from 0.77 to 7.74, averaging 1.85±1.21. Moisture content varied from 1.26% to 3.16%, with a mean of 1.84±0.38%. Tree height ranged from 5.0 to 22.0 m with an average of 11.13±4.46 m, while girth varied from 18.0 to 266.0 cm, averaging 119.16±50.46 cm.

Discussion

The present study revealed substantial morphological variation in fruit and tree traits of Terminalia chebula across the three agroclimatic zones of Chhattisgarh, indicating wide phenotypic diversity within the species. Variations observed in fruit size, weight, dry pulp content, seed characteristics, tree height, and girth at breast height clearly demonstrate the influence of both environmental conditions and genetic factors on trait expression. Such extensive variability offers valuable opportunities for selection of superior genotypes and genetic improvement programmes. The pronounced differences in fruit area and dry pulp weight among the agroclimatic zones highlight the role of local environmental regimes in determining fruit development and dry matter accumulation. The comparatively higher mean fruit area and dry pulp weight recorded in the Chhattisgarh Plains suggest more favourable conditions for pulp formation and fruit growth, whereas the wider ranges observed in the Northern Hills and Bastar Plateau indicate the presence of diverse genotypes adapted to varied ecological conditions. Similar variability in pulp yield has been recognized as an important criterion for identifying elite trees in medicinal species. The morphological differences recorded in the present investigation are consistent with earlier findings. Gowda (2002) [9] reported significant variation in fruit dimensions among different provenances, with the Shimoga source producing fruits of maximum weight, length, and breadth. Dhiman (2003) [6] also documented wide diversity in fruit size and shape, including ovoid and ellipsoid forms. Thakur and Rana (2008) [31] and Thakur et al. (2008) [32] further highlighted pronounced differences in fruit morphology, chemical attributes, and seed-to-pulp ratio, which closely align with the variability observed in the current study. Comparable patterns of fruit trait variability have been reported by Navhale et al. (2011) [18] and Gowda et al. (2011) [10] . Sanjeewa et al. (2013) [27] , while examining T. chebula populations across Sri Lanka, observed considerable regional differences in morphological traits, indicating broad ecological adaptability of the species. Rajini (2014) [25] emphasized the existence of elite genotypes, identifying accession IIHRTc10 as highly superior in fruit size, volume, and weight, thereby demonstrating the potential for selecting high-yielding planting material. Khan et al. (2015) [14] provided detailed descriptions of fruit and seed characteristics, reporting variations in fruit shape, surface texture, and dimensions, which correspond with the diverse fruit forms observed in the present investigation. Phukan (2019) [21] also recorded significant differences in fruit length, breadth, and weight across locations, further supporting the presence of substantial intra-specific variation. In Chhattisgarh, Prajapati et al. (2020) [24] documented natural variation in fruit pulp weight from Kondagaon and Kanker districts, which is comparable to the wide range of dry pulp weight recorded in this study. Nakandalage et al.

(2021) [17] also confirmed extensive morphological diversity in T. chebula germplasm, identifying multiple fruit shapes, thereby reinforcing the present findings. Similar patterns of variation have been reported across other species, including Acacia (Bagchi et al., 1991 [2,15,16,19] , Azadirachta indica (Prabakaran et al., 2019) [22] , Terminalia bellerica (Sood et al., 2009; Dangi et al., 2012; Das et al., 2020) [30,4,5] , Dalbergia sissoo (Dubey and Tripathi, 2018; Dhiman et al., 2020) [7,6] , Diospyros melanoxylon (Patel et al., 2021) [20] , Jatropha curcas (Kaushik et al., 2007a) [12] , Pongamia pinnata (Kaushik et al., 2007b) [13] , Phyllanthus emblica (Choudhary et al., 1995; Singh et al., 2012) [3,28] and Tamarindus indica (Prabhushankar and Melanta, 2004). These studies collectively indicate that morphological diversity is a common characteristic of tree species distributed across diverse ecological regions, reflecting adaptive responses to varying environmental conditions. Overall, the findings of the present study reinforce and expand existing knowledge on morphological diversity in Terminalia chebula. The observed variability across agroclimatic zones is likely influenced by environmental heterogeneity, genetic makeup, and ecological adaptation. This diversity underscores the importance of systematic evaluation and selection of superior genotypes for conservation, domestication, and commercial utilization. Continued research integrating morphological, molecular, and environmental approaches will further strengthen tree improvement programmes and promote sustainable utilization of this valuable medicinal species.

Conclusion

The present study revealed considerable morphological variation in fruit and tree traits of Terminalia chebula across the three major agroclimatic zones of Chhattisgarh, indicating wide phenotypic diversity within the species. Significant differences in fruit size, weight, pulp content, seed characteristics, and tree growth parameters reflect the combined influence of genetic and environmental factors. The Chhattisgarh Plains showed comparatively higher mean values for fruit area and dry pulp weight, suggesting favourable conditions for fruit development, while the Northern Hills and Bastar Plateau exhibited wider ranges, indicating diverse adaptive genotypes. This variability provides valuable opportunities for the selection of superior planting material. The findings highlight the importance of systematic evaluation, conservation, and utilization of diverse germplasm for genetic improvement, domestication, and mass multiplication of superior quality planting material of Terminalia chebula for afforestation programme.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementI express my sincere gratitude to my respected guide Professor R. K. Prajapati for his valuable guidance, constant encouragement, and scholarly support throughout the course of this research work. His expertise and motivation greatly contributed to the successful completion of this study. I am also deeply thankful to the Forest Department of Chhattisgarh for their kind cooperation and support in every area of research, especially in assisting with fieldwork for identifying and studying the morphological variation of fruits.

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