Studies on variability assessment in Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. clones collected from different parts of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The present study was carried out to identify superior clones of Lannea coromandelica across its natural distribution in Tamil Nadu for collection of clones for afforestation or tree improvement purpose. The clonal materials were propagated under nursery conditions and variations in growth parameters viz., shoot length, root length, collar diameter, total dry matter production, root/shoot ratio, sturdiness quotient, volume index and quality index were studied. The clones collected from Pattukottai (FCRI LC 9), Thanjavur (FCRI LC 18) and Nagappattinam (FCRI LC 25) region were superior in all traits compared to clones studied from other regions. These clones can be screened for tree improvement and for the assessment of industrial utilizations of the species