Heritability, genetic gain and coefficient of variation analysis of willow, Salix species full sib f₁ progenies under nursery condition

The control breeding/hybridization work in Salix clones at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan was carried out during the year 2011 and 2012. The hybrids produced were evaluated under earthen bowls containing vermiculite media (Stage I), root trainers in sand and soil (Stage II) and then under polybags containing sand, soil and compost (Stage III). The data revealed that in progeny of crosses Salix babylonica x J795, PN227 x J172 and PN227 x J194 there was highest survival (100%). Plant height and basal diameter were recorded maximum in hybrids of PN227 x J172 (328.33 cm and 17.59 mm respectively) followed by hybrids of PN227 x NZ1179 (306.25 cm and 16.52 mm respectively). Hybrids of PN227 x S0-64-007 recorded maximum number of nodes (80.34), branch length (95.08 mm) and petiole length (1.17 mm). Internodal length was found highest (5.06 mm) in hybrids of PN227 x AUSTREE which was at par with hybrids of PN227 x SI-64-007, PN227 x J172, PN227 x 131/25 and PN227 x J194. Number of branches was maximum (86.48) in hybrids of PN227 x NZ1140. Branch length was found maximum in hybrids of PN227 x AUSTREE which was at par with all others except hybrids of S babylonica X J795 and PN227 x SI64–007. Hybrids of PN227 x NZ1179 recorded maximum (22.08 cm²) leaf area. On the basis of two year growth performance, hybrids namely PN227 x AUSTREE, S babylonica x J795, PN227 x J172, PN227 x SE-69-00, PN227 x NZ1140 and PN227 x NZ1179 were found suitable for lower and midhills of Himachal Pradesh.