Planting Stock Improvement in <I>Gmelina arborea</I>

Abstract

The planting stock of Gmelina arborea was improved through 'Technology Mission - Gmelina arborea'. The mission incorporated various techniques of genetics, breeding, clonal propagation, nursery, physiology, phenology, entomology and pathology. A total of 119 plus tree selected from 10 geographical locations were selected and multiplied through clonal means, and established in the vegetative multiplication gardens cum germplasm banks. The passports for plus tree was developed that provided information on different aspects including species, accession, geography, silviculture and technical information. The vegetative propagation protocols both for adult and juvenile materials were standardized using budding, grafting and rooting of branch cuttings. The clonal and progeny trials were carried out to test the stability, adaptability and growth performance of selected germplasm. The seedling and clonal seed orchards were established in the states of Assam, Manipur and Tripura to meet immediate supply of the improved seed. Various clones were screened for resistance against Craspedonta leayana which is a serious defoliator of G. arborea. Eight per cent of the clones exhibited higher resistance while 26 per cent of the clones showed moderate resistance. The seed treatment with fungicide Captaf was found to be most effective in managing seed and seedling fungal pathogens