GENETIC DIVERGENCE IN FRUIT AND STONE TRAITS OF Melia dubia Cav. IN INDIA

K.C.S. WARRIER¹*, J.L. RAJA², R.R. WARRIER^3
1Scientists, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, (Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education), R.S. Puram, 641 002, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu,India
²Assistant Manager, Seshasayee Paper and Boards Ltd, Pallipalayam, Erode, 638007, Tamil Nadu, India
³Scientists, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, (Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education), R.S. Puram, 641 002, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu,India
* Corresponding Author : kannanwarrier@gmail.com

Received : 15-10-2018     Accepted : 27-10-2018     Published : 30-10-2018
Volume : 10     Issue : 10       Pages : 530 - 533
Genetics 10.10 (2018):530-533

Keywords : Genetic Divergence, Melia dubia, Tree Breeding, Seed sources, Mahalanobis’ D2, Tocher’s clustering
Academic Editor : All author equally contributed
Conflict of Interest : None declared
Acknowledgements/Funding : Author thankful to Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun, 248006, Uttarakhand for financial support

Thirty three Candidate Plus Trees (CPTs) of Melia dubia were selected based on the morphometric traits to identify suitable seed sources with clear bole and for production of quality seedlings for operational planting in different forestry and agroforestry programmes. Significant genetic variability and association were recorded among 33 CPTs for fruit and stone traits. Maximum 100 fruit weight (1.00 kg) was observed in Nagondapalli while maximum 100 seed weight (280 g) was observed in Kollegal 10. The stones were observed to have variations in their locule filling which could contribute to poor germination of seedlots. Locule filling was high in Kodipuram I (an average of 4 out of 5) which also recorded the highest germination. Mahalanobis’ D2 statistics and Tocher’s clustering method grouped the 33 seed sources into seven clusters when fruit characteristics were considered while the seed sources were grouped into 6 clusters when stone characteristics were considered. 100 Fruit Weight contributed maximum to divergence for fruits (87.88). Seedling traits in Melia dubia provide highest information on genetic divergence followed by stone traits. Fruits traits can also be considered when there is a need to further broaden the genetic base. Information on genetic divergence and genetic distance between genotypes helps in developing planting design to facilitate equal opportunity for hybridization among the genotypes. Seed orchards developed using genotypes from the clusters identified in the study would produce wider segregation. This will enhance the quality of seed produced in the ensuing generations and can be used for development of improved varieties.

1. Parthiban K.T., Bharathi A.K., Seenivasan R., Kamala K. and Rao M.G. (2009) Asia Pac Agro News 34: 3-4.
2. Warrier R.R. (2011) Melia dubia Money Spinning Series 2. Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. 16p.
3. Wani N.R. and Malik T.H. (2014) New York Science Journal 7(20): 50-56.
4. Mukhtar A. and Mohammad F. (2012) Forestry Bulletin 12(1): 105-122.
5. Jacob J.P. and Senthil K. (2018) Recurrence of Gall Wasp In Eucalyptus. VanVigyan ENVIS Newsletter 4(4): 11.
6. Balu A., Thangapandian K., Chandrasekar K. and Murugesan S. (2014) Occurrence and Management of the Needle Feeder, Lymantira ampla Walker (Lepidoptera: Lymantridae) in Casuarina Plantations of Coastal Tamil Nadu, India. In: Nicodemus, A., Pinyopusarerk, K., Zhong, C.L., Franche, C. (Eds) Casuarina improvement for securing rural livelihoods. Proceedings of Fifth International Casuarina Workshop, Chennai, India. 3-7 February 2014. Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India. p.225.
7. Kohli R.K., Batish D.R., Singh J.S., Singh H.P. and Bhatt J.R. (2012) Plant invasion in India: An overview in invasive alien plants. In: Bhatt, J.R., et al., (Ed.) An ecological appraisal for Indian subcontinent. CABI International electronic book. pp 1-10.
8. Prabhakaran V.T. and Jain J.P. (1994) Statistical Techniques for Studying Genotype‐Environments Interactions. South Asian Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Dehli 1994, 221p.
9. van Buijtenen J.P. and Saitta W.W. (1972) Journal of Forestry 70(3): 164-167.
10. Mahalanobis P.C. (1928) J. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 25: 301-377.
11. Rao C.R. (1952) Advanced Statistical Methods in Biometric Research. John Wiley and Sons, Inc, New York.
12. Chaturvedi O.P. and Pandey N. (2001) Silvae Genetica, 50: 99-102.
13. Alicchio R. and Palenzona L.D. (1974) Theor. Appl. Genet., 45, 122-125.
14. Bagchi S.K. (2000) Ann. For. 8, 25-37.
15. Singh R.K. and Chaudhary B.D. (1985) Biometrical Techniques in Genetics and Breeding. International Bioscience Publications, Hissar, India.
16. Chaudhary B.D., Bhat P.N. and Singh V.P. (1975) Indian J. Agric. Sci. 45: 530-535.
17. Kumar A. (1995) Genetic Improvement of Casuarina equisetifolia. Ph.D. Thesis. Forest Research Institute Deemed University, Dehra Dun, India.