Independent sets in graphs without subtrees with many leaves

Abstract

A subtree of a graph is called inscribed if no three vertices of the subtree generate a triangle in the graph. We prove that, for fixed k, the independent set problem is solvable in polynomial time for each of the following classes of graphs: (1) graphs without subtrees with k leaves, (2) subcubic graphs without inscribed subtrees with k leaves, and (3) graphs with degree not exceeding k and lacking induced subtrees with four leaves.