Evaluation of early growth performance of 41 clones of teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f.) at four microsites in Purwakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

Teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f.), one of the most-valued tree species in the world, is slow-growing with a long period until it can be harvested; therefore, ensuring that only high-quality seedlings or clones are selected for planting is critical. The main objective was to determine performance and repeatability of selected clones in terms of growth and survival rates in different micro-environments. A 2-year clonal trial using 41 clones and a local seedling of teak as a control were grown at 4 microsites differing in spacing, soil fertility and alley crops to assess tree height, diameter and survival rate that was evaluated in Purwakarta, West Java, Indonesia using a randomized complete block design with four replicates of each clone at each microsite. Teak growth was influenced by clone (p < 0.01), microsite (p < 0.05) and clone × microsite interaction (p < 0.01). The interaction clone × microsite resulted in several potential superior clones that differed in terms of growth rates at each microsite. On the basis of diameter only, superior clones (nos. 14, 18, 24, 30 and 37) were identified. Repeatability estimated was Rc2 = 0.84 for diameter and Rc2 = 0.77 for height. Growth performance of teak trees varied among microsites. Repeatability values for diameter and height characters were high. The effect of variable growth on each clone was influenced by genetic factors, environmental factors and the interaction of genetics × environment. Microsite significantly affected growth of teak clones. Clone × microsite interaction significantly affected growth of clones and led to the growth of superior clones at each microsite.