Phenotypic characterization of Butea monosperma in Mandla for breeding potential

This study investigates the phenotypic variability in morphological and reproductive traits of Butea monosperma trees in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh. Ten phenotypically superior trees were selected using the Individual Tree Selection (ITS) method based on tree height, girth at breast height (GBH), crown spread, flowering intensity, and fruit yield. Trees from Mandla demonstrated superior growth and reproductive performance, with a mean tree height of 14.1 m, GBH of 114.5 cm, crown spread of 11.09 m, flowering intensity of 4.7, and fruit yield of 37.3 kg/tree. The low coefficients of variation indicated a uniform population, supporting the region's potential for elite tree selection and breeding programs.