Morphological characterization of tree and leaf parameters in bael (Aegle marmelos Correa) genotypes

Bael (Aegle marmelos Correa), a native fruit of the Indian subcontinent, reveals its hidden diversity in this study of 55 genotypes (BUAT-B-01 to BUAT-B-55) across nine bael-growing districts of Uttar Pradesh—Kushinagar, Gorakhpur, Sultanpur, Ayodhya, Mau, Ballia, Gazipur, Bhadohi, and Banda. Surveyed from 2022-23 to 2023-24, these 10- to 30-year-old trees exhibited remarkable morphological variation. Semi-spreading growth dominated (24 genotypes), dense foliage prevailed (33), and all presented thorny bases. Leaf colors ranged from dark green (22) to light green (18) and green (15), with lanceolate shapes prevailing. Trunks displayed a yellowish-grey hue (24), while bark split irregularly in all genotypes. This rich tapestry of tree and leaf traits, assessed using DUS guidelines, highlights bael’s genetic potential and paves the way for selecting superior genotypes in breeding programs.