Analysis of the performance of various tree species in Miyawaki plantation in the semi-arid zone of Punjab

The present research was carried out in the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the year 2022 to evaluate the growth performance of twenty-four tree species planted in closer spacing following the Miyawaki technique of afforestation. The plantation was established during the year 2019. These twenty-four tree species were evaluated for four growth parameters i.e., plant height, collar diameter, crown spread and branch angle. Among the twenty-four tree species planted, Melia azedarach outperformed all other species in terms of plant height, collar diameter and crown spread exhibiting its best suitability for Miyawaki technique of afforestation. In terms of branch angle, Vitex negundo showed its dominance. Following Melia azedarach other species such as Moringa oleifera, Bauhinia purpurea etc. have also performed well. However, species such as Madhuca longifolia, Aegle marmelos, Ficus benghalensis, Terminalia bellerica and Murraya koenigii have underperformed in terms of these parameters. Thus, Melia azedarach, Moringa oleifera, Bauhinia purpurea and Vitex negundo are found to be best suitable species for afforestation in urban areas using Miyawaki technique of planting.to be a source of novel treatments. The results of this investigation thus validate the plant's traditional usage for medicine.