Genetic Variability Assessment of Growth Traits and Nutrient Uptake of Populus deltoides under Punjab Conditions

The present study was conducted on 7-year-old Populus deltoides clones for growth, biomass and nutrient uptake characteristics under Punjab conditions at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana which falls under the Central Plain Zone. Observations on total height, diameter at breast height, volume and biomass were recorded, and nutrient uptake was worked out. Significant differences were observed among clones for all the characteristics. The clone FNR-558 was observed as most promising clone for DBH, volume and biomass. The highest value for nitrogen uptake was observed in L-47/88. For phosphorus and potassium uptake was maximum in clone FNR-558. Majority of parameters studied except straightness were less influenced by the environment conditions and thus reflect the variability for the traits in Populus deltoides is tightly linked with the genotypic constitution. High heritability (69.80%) coupled with moderate genetic gain (16.57) was observed for volume. Genotypic correlation coefficient higher than phenotypic correlation coefficient revealed the less effect of the environment on the expression of these traits and would be helpful in future breeding programs. FNR-558 recorded highest index score followed by Ranikhet, FNR-544, L-170/88 and L-247/84, therefore showing promising results.