Virendra Singh

CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University

Hill Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, Bajaura 175125 (Kullu) Himachal Pradesh, India

(E-mail: virendrasingh2003@yahoo.com)

Fax: 0091-1902-266047, 268115, Tel: 0091-1905-287235

Five exotic improved forms of seabuckthorn introduced in 3 different years, are being evaluated for their adaptation at Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University’s High Land Agricultural Research and Extension Centre, located at Kukumseri (2650 m asl) in district Lahaul-Spiti, a dry temperate region of Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. The region is characterized by low rainfall (about 500 mm/yr) and heavy snowfall (100-400 cm/yr). The first exotic form "H1-1" introduced in 1995, after 7 years of growth had a diameter of 2.8 cm at base, 178 cm of height, a narrow canopy spread of 28 and 30 cm in south and east directions respectively. This form had fruit weight of 30.5 cm/100 fruits. The two other exotics HI-2 and HI-3, after 4 years of growth had diameter of 1.1 and 1.6 cm respectively, height 37 and 52 cm and canopy spread of 6 and 7, 11 and 13 cm in south and east directions respectively. The other two exotics HI-4 and HI-5 introduced in 2001, have also adapted to the local conditions. No decease has been recorded in any exotic form introduced at the center. All the forms were nearly thornless, except HI-4.

Key words: Five, exotic forms of seabuckthorn (Hippophaerhamnoides), evaluation,

adaptation, growth, thorns and dry temperate Himalayas.