Abstract
Micropropagation protocols for multiplication of highly important Eucalyptus hybrids have been achieved. Two Eucalyptus hybrids namely as FRI-5 (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn x Eucalytpus tereticornis Sm) and FRI-14 (Eucalyptus torelliana F. V. Muell x Eucalyptus citriodora Hook) selected for micropropagation using nodal segments as explants from the mature trees (30 - 32 years old) for the two hybrids. These Eucalyptus hybrids were produced by Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, in the early 1960 - 70 through controlled crossing. These are available in limited number and need multiplication true to type for field - testing to ascertain its superiority under varied agro - climatic conditions. These hybrids showed 3 - 5 superior in terms of total biomass and wood volume when compared to their parents. Clonal cultures were established and multiplied on MS medium supplemented different concentration of BAP either alone or in with combination of auxins i.e. IBA/NAA. MS medium was found to be effective and suitable for all the experiments during plant production. 85 - 92% rooting was achieved on half strength MS medium supplemented with IBA. 90 - 98% of the plantlets survived hardening and acclimatization prior to field transfer. Parameters like height, DBH, clear bole length and self pruning capability of both the hybrids were recorded up to three years to identify the suitability of these hybrids in different varied climatic zones of Uttarakhand. Key words: Eucalyptus hybrids FRI-5 and FRI-14, field testing, diameter at breast height, micropropagation.
Highlights
Eucalypts are credited with high growth rate and multiple uses and are planted extensively
The nodal shoot segments containing axillary buds were collected from 30-32 years old mature trees of Eucalyptus hybrids FRI-5 and FRI-14 growing at New Forest experimental field of Forest Research Institute, Dehradun
Explant treated with bavistin (1%) and antibiotics (Streptomycin and Chloramphenicol) for 3-5 minutes followed by surface sterilization with (0.15%) HgCl2 (12 min for FRI-5 and 10 min for FRI-14) was found to be very effective in controlling 78 - 80% contamination with good survival rate of 65 - 75%
Summary
Eucalypts are credited with high growth rate and multiple uses and are planted extensively. Eucalyptus hybrids have been a widely planted species in India owing to its adaptability in different eco-climatic zones. Hybridization is a known process by which the desirable traits of the two parents may be combined in F1 offspring. It offers a means to capture the benefits of hybrid vigour (heterosis), which is often manifested in certain specific parental species combinations in hybrids. Development of hybrids, their clonal multiplication and post juvenile character studies still remains a serious problem due to various reasons. Forest research Institute, Dehradun, has 13 mature F1 Eucalyptus hybrid combinations. At Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, work on hybridization in Eucalyptus
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