Achievement:
The study was carried out to introduce, screen out and evaluate the performance of Paulownia species vis. P. fortunei, P. tomentosa, P. fargessi and P. elongata in different agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh. Field trials of Paulownia species were established in different agro-climatic zones (Poantashaib-Lower Hill Zone; Darja, Solan- Mid Hill Zone and Khaniyara, Dharamsala – High Hill Zone) of Himachal Pradesh. After initial growth of three to four years the growth performance of the each species were evaluated to screen out the most suitable species for different agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh. At Lower hill Zone of Himachal Pradesh, over a period of three years P. fortunei exhibited the best growth with the height of 5.10 m, GBH of 15.0 cm and 95 percent survival. At Mid Hill Zone of Himachal Pradesh, over a period of four years P. fortunei exhibited maximum height with 5.20 m, collar diameter of 8.20 cm and 75 percent survival. However P. fortunei attained the height of 7.50 m, GBH of 55.0 cm and 80 percent survival when raised on the field bunds at the same zone. At High Hill Zone of Himachal Pradesh, over a period of three years P. tomentosa performed the best by attaining the height of 2.85 m and GBH of 17.40 cm. However P. fortunei manifested the maximum 100 percent survival at the same zone. Intercropping of P. fortunei with Tea at Lower Hill Zone the species has attained the height of 5.1 m, GBH of 20.54 cm and 75 percent survival. No serious insect pest disease has been observed during the study period.