Variation for Growth Traits among 17 Poplar (<I>Populus deltoides</I> Bartr.) Clones Planted in Punjab

Abstract

A clonal trial was conducted by planting 17 poplar clones at village Dhindsa (Jallandhar) in central-plain region of Punjab. The data collected on diameter at breast height, tree height and volume per tree at 4, 6 and 8-year age were analyzed and genetic parameters were worked out. Significant differences among clones were noticed for all growth traits except for height at 6-year. No clone was significantly superior to control for any growth trait for age 4 and 6 year. Clone 'IN-CSb' was promising one with significantly higher volume(0.56)/m²/tree at 8-year age. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were relatively low with maximum values for volume (27.17-32.13% and 7.96-10.46%) and the minimum for tree height (7.98-9.33% and 1.69-3.78%). The broad sense heritability and genetic advance were relatively higher at 8-year age.