Diversity assessment and selection of candidate plus trees of Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston in Kerala

Ailanthus triphysa [Dennst.] Alston is one of the most important and extensively used trees for making match splints in India. Despite its multiple uses, the genetic variability of the trees is little explored. The study attempted to determine the genetic diversity and select candidate plus trees from various parts of Kerala. Thirty candidate plus trees were selected based on baseline regression of trunk volume to crown volume combined with scoring for qualitative characters. The tree height, GBH, crown diameter and clean bole height of the plus trees ranged from 20 to 37 m, 0.69 to 2.11 m, 3.5 and 9.75 m and 7 to 24 m, respectively. The selected CPTs can be used for tree improvement and development of superior quality planting material.