Genetic parameters studies in Populus deltoides full sib F1 progenies under field condition

Abstract

Over the years, more than 600 clones and 266 open-pollinated seed families have been introduced into India from different parts of the world. The best clones after nursery and field screening were selected for control crossing using Line × Tester design with 8 parents to develop superior hybrids. The F1 populations of the successful crosses were raised in the nursery in uniform environment to study the extent and pattern of variation in growth and morphometric characters. In case of overall performance, G-48 X L-17/92 hybrid progeny was found outstanding for most of the growth and morphometric traits. High heritability and genetic gain were recorded for leaf area. The superior hybrids after further field evaluation and parental verification will be commercially released covering wider climatic range from tropical to temperate regions of the country.