Species Selection for Higher Productivity in <I>Ailanthus</I>

Abstract

A species trial involving Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston and A. integrifolia Lam. ssp. calycina (Pierre) Nooteboom was undertaken to identify the better matchwood species for plantation programme in Kerala. Three year growth revealed significant variation for height growth between species, the better being A. integrifolia ssp. calycina. Unlike A. triphysa, this species is also found to be free from insect pests. The study with its limitations shows that A. integrifolia ssp. calycina to be better species for plantation programmes.