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

Terminalia chebula Retz. is an important medicinal tree species widely valued for its therapeutic and commercial significance. The present study was conducted during 2023-24 in the Department of Forestry, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (IGKV), Raipur (C.G.), to evaluate the influence of different agro-climatic zones of Chhattisgarh, namely the Northern Hills, Chhattisgarh Plains, and Bastar Plateau, on the morphological characteristics of T. chebula, with special emphasis on fruit size and dry pulp yield. Significant variation was recorded in fruit characteristics among the candidate plus trees studied across the three zones. In the Northern Hills, fruit area ranged from 34.80 to 87.80 mm², and the maximum dry pulp weight recorded was 6.03 g. In the Chhattisgarh Plains, fruit area ranged from 42.80 to 72.80 mm², with the highest dry pulp weight of 6.20 g observed among all zones. In the Bastar Plateau, fruit area varied from 42.10 to 84.70 mm², and the maximum dry pulp weight recorded was 4.85 g. The Chhattisgarh Plains showed comparatively superior performance in terms of dry pulp yield, indicating greater potential for commercial exploitation. The wide morphological variability observed in fruit traits reflects the combined influence of genetic makeup and environmental conditions prevailing in different agro-climatic zones. This variability provides a strong scientific basis for the identification and selection of superior genotypes. The findings of the present investigation will be useful for future conservation strategies, genetic improvement programmes, and mass multiplication of superior genetic material of Terminalia chebula in Chhattisgarh, thereby contributing to commercial productivity and utilization of this important medicinal tree species.