Selection of site specific Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus tereticornis clones for Ariyalur region (Tamil Nadu) based on its higher Productivity

Abstract

Eucalyptus camaldulensis clones were shortlisted based on individual tree superiorityobserved in the multi-location clonal trials for growth attributes like height, girth at breastheight and volume through Index selection method. These clones were planted along withcommercially planted clones in southern peninsular India , seedlings raised from improvedseed orchard source and genetically poor seedlings procured locally during the year 2009. The above clones and seedlings were planted near Nachiarpettai located near Ariyalur (TamilNadu) to identify the best performing site specific clones in Tamil Nadu. It falls in the rangeof 11° 07’45.91’’N latitude to 79°13’15.94’’E longitude. The growth parameters like height, girth at breast height and its volume were recorded up to 3 years. The results confirm that the clones are best selected and tested in environments similar to those where they will bedeployed. Ranking of the 33 commonly planted clones and two seed lots showed that CloneC31, C9, C196 and C17 were consistently superior in their growth performance whencompared to all other clones, seed lots and some of the commercially cultivated clones withrespect to height, girth and volume although the sequence changed for each characters. Based
on the study it was concluded that the clones viz., Clone C31, C9, C17 and C196 are best suitable for the area in and around Nachiarpettai (Ariyalur) having the same soil property(Sandy loam) and climatic conditions