MICROPROPAGATION STUDIES ON IMPORTANT FOREST TREES OF HIGH IMPORTANCE: AN EFFORT FOR LARGE-SCALE COMMERCIAL MULTIPLICATION AND THEIR FIELD PLANTATION

Abstract

The present project is taken up with the aim to develop micropropagation protocols for large and commercial scale multiplication of highly important forest trees, i.e., Eucalyptus hybrids. Two Eucalyptus hybrids namely as FRI-5 (Eucalyptus cainaldulensis Dehn x Eucalytpus tereticornis Sm.) and FRI-14 (Eucalyptus torelliana F.V. Muell × Eucalyptus citriodora Hook) were selected for the present course of investigation with the aim to develop mass scale micropropagation technique using nodal segments as explants from the mature trees (30-32 years old) of both the hybrids. These Eucalyptus hybrids were produced by Forest Research Institute, Dehradun in the early 1960-70s though controlled crossing are available in very 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. 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. Eighty-five to 92% rooting was achieved on half strength MS medium supplemented with IBA. Ninety-five to 98% plantlets survival was obtained after hardening and acclimatization prior to field transfer. Parameters like height, DBH, clear bole length and self pruning capability of both the hybrid were recorded up to three years to identify the suitability of these hybrids in different varied climatic zones of Uttarakhand.