Registration of Clones and Certification of Clonal Planting Stock

Abstract

Genetically improved, true-to-type and uniform clonal planting stock, of field tested clones adaptable to specific sites, has revolutionized productivity of plantations of Poplars and Eucalyptus with major improvements in quality of produce and profitability. Current demand for clonal planting stock of poplars in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh is around 15 million plants per year. Demand for 'Bhadrachalam, clones of Eucalyptus is growing rapidly in Andhra Pradesh and current demand for farm forestry plantations is 2.5 million saplings annually. Maintenance of genetic purity, health and vigour of clones and matching of adaptable clones to specific planting sites require high technical skills and experience. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that Central and State governments should take appropriate steps immediately for registration of genetically improved clones, clonal nurseries and certification of genuine clonal planting stock so that interests of the growers can be safeguarded against possible supplies of spurious plants in lieu of improved clones. This paper covers these and related issues.