Tree Improvement & Propagation Division
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Background |
Genetic diversity within and between tree species provide scope for selection of superior genotype within and between the species for immediate use and further improvement through traditional and non traditional approaches. Sandal (Santalum album), Teak (Tectona grandis), Rose wood (Dalbergia latifolia), Red sander (Pterocarpus santalinus) are most the important tree species of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. In addition, Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Casuarina (Casuarina equisetifolia) and Acacia auriculiformis and A. mangium are exotic species planted in large area for paper, pulp, fuel, pole, etc., and considered key species in plantation in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Dendrocalamus strictus, Bambusa arundinaceae and Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii (only in Karnataka) are important bamboo species of these above cited states.
Planting stock Improvement Programme aims at the use of improved planting material for large-scale plantation programs. It is a fact that the inherent characteristics of superior mother trees are transmissible to the progeny. Considering this fact, standard criteria for the selection of phenotypes must be considered for selection in order to get the maximum genotype improvements.
The tree improvement strategy involves the short term and long-term measures for ensuring immediate and sustained supply of quality planting stock. The immediate measures encompass establishment of Seed Production Areas, whereas the establishment of Seedling Seed Orchards and Clonal Seed Orchards are the long time measures.
All tree improvement programmes must have seed production at some stage of their development, if continued gains are to be achieved, since they function both as breeding population and as the propagation population. The modern trend of producing wood and wood products from plantation forests implies requirement of enormous improved quantities of seed.
In order to exploit optimum/full worth of plus trees, superior genotypes, elite clones, novel hybrids, macro/micro propagation (cloning) is highly desirable to produce true to type plants for clonal trial to select site specific clones and operational planting to achieve enhance productivity and quality of end products. |
Goal |
Conservation, improvement of planting stock, enhanced productivity and improved quality of end products for process |
Objectives |
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Thrust Areas |
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Research Achievements |
Developed modern root trainer based nursery technique for production of quality planting stock of sandal
Refinement in the micro propagation protocol of teak
Refinement in the micro propagation of clones of Eucalyptus tereticornis
Rapid and simplified method of in vitro cloning of teak
Rapid in vitro cloning of Eucalyptus tereticornis
Ex vitro rooting of more than 90 per cent in vitro shoots, could be obtained by pulse treatment with IBA and later on transferred in soilrite in bottles or trays under mist chamber/green house conditions. Rooted plants grow vigorously in containers. Plantable clonal planting material can be obtained within 4 months period from ex vitro rooting onwards. |
Facilities and Equipments |
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Research Staff |
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For Further Information, Please Contact:
The Head Tree Improvement and Propagation Division Institute of Wood Science and Technology P.O. Malleswaram Bangalore-560 003 (India) E-mail: tip_iwst@icfre.org |