Variation and Association Analysis among Growth Traits in Half-sib Progenies of <I>Pinus roxburghii</I> Sarg. Plus Trees

Abstract

To know the genetic worth of the plus trees and association among different traits, one year old half-sib progenies of 48 plus trees were evaluated at Nauni during the year, 2000. Highly significant variation in all the traits was noted except for number of stomata. Studies on genetic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance showed that a large portion of phenotypic variability was genetic and highly heritable for the total chlorophyll content, needle diameter and needle cross-sectional area. High heritability estimates were accompanied with high genetic gain for total chlorophyll content and needle cross-sectional area, suggesting the additive gene control for the inheritance of these traits. Collar diameter showed positive and highly significant correlation with seedling height and needle length.