Assessment of Stability and Genetic Parameters in Poplar (Populus deltoides) Clones
Dipika Ayate *
Department of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur-680 653, India.
Milan Jain
Department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan (Nauni) HP-173 230, India.
Jaipal Sharma
Department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan (Nauni) HP-173 230, India.
Sanjeev Thakur
Department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan (Nauni) HP-173 230, India.
Sneha Dobhal
College of Forestry, VCSG UUHF, Ranichauri, Uttarakhand-249199, India.
Sapna Thakur
Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab-141001, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The present study was conducted at Department of Tree improvement and Forest Genetics Resources, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himchal Pradesh. A study investigating the stability of leaf traits in Populus deltoides clones was conducted across three locations: Nauni-Solan (HP), RHR&TS center Dhaula Kuan, Sirmaur (HP), and Laddhowal farm, PAU, Ludhiana. Analysis of variance revealed significant clone x site interaction for leaf blade length, midrib length, distance between petiole junction and leaf base, and total leaf length. Utilizing the Eberhart and Russell (1966) model, clone L-621/84 was identified as exhibiting the highest stability for leaf blade length and midrib length. Conversely, clone G-48 demonstrated the greatest stability for the distance between the petiole junction and the leaf base. Both clones L- 621/84 and G-48 displayed stable performance for total leaf length. Broad-sense heritability estimates were substantial, with leaf blade length (83.03) exhibiting the highest value, followed by total leaf length (78.29) and midrib length (77.85). Expected genetic gain, expressed as a percentage of the population mean, ranged from 16.42 to 26.68 percent across the evaluated traits. Moderate heritability estimates for most traits suggest the potential benefits of clonal propagation in poplar. The combination of heritability and genetic gain provides a valuable indicator of the potential for trait improvement through breeding programs.
Keywords: Heritability, genetic gain, GCV, PCV, poplar, stability