Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, (Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education), PB 1061, R.S. Puram Post, Coimbatore - 641 002, Tamil Nadu.
*Corresponding author, E-mail: kannan@ifgtb.res.in
Casuarina equisetifolia Forst. is extensively grown in India like a cash crop by farmers in southern peninsula due to its multiple utility values. However, this species is reported to show tremendous variation in tree form, growth parameters, tolerance to environmental stresses and adaptability to degraded lands. Studies conducted at the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore revealed considerable variation with respect to physiological parameters including water use efficiency in 33 casuarina clones. Seven clones with superior growth performance and favourable physiological characteristics including high photosynthesis, carboxylation efficiency and water use efficiency were found.
Casuarina, clonal forestry, gas exchange parameters, water use efficiency
