Genetic analysis for growth and wood fiber properties in second generation clones of Acacia auriculiformis

Genetic variability of growth, wood density and fibre characters was determined in twenty second-generation clones of Acacia auriculiformis grown at IFGTB-Field Research Station, Neyvli, Tamil Nadu, India. Total volume revealed high phenotypic (29.10%) and genotypic coefficient of variation (31.30%). Moderate PCV and GCV values were observed for height, fibre lumen diameter, Runkel ratio, slenderness ratio and wood density. The volume and fibre lumen diameter had high heritability 86 and 76 per cent, respectively. Fibre length, Runkel ratio, slenderness ratio and rigidity coefficient showed high heritability coupled with high to moderate genetic advance. Twenty clones was formed into four clusters by D2 analysis. Maximum inter-cluster distance was recorded between cluster II and cluster IV (7.396) and minimum inter-cluster distance was recorded between clusters II and IV (3.364). Higher intra-cluster values were observed in clusters I (4.171) and lower values in cluster III (3.179). Selection of clones based on clusters provides an opportunity for further improvement of growth and wood quality.