An Analysis on Genetic Variation in Growth Characters of Geographical Provenances of Eucalyptus tereticornis
- Received Date: 1992-03-20
- Available Online: 2012-12-04
Abstract: Ten provenances of Eucalyptus tereticornis introduced from Australia were analyzed and evaluated for 6 growth traits five years after planting on the semi-arid area in southwestern Hainan Island. Variance and covariance analyses were estimated to determine heritability of traits and genetic correlation between traits. The results showed that there were highly significant differences in all traits measured and they exerted medium or stronger degrees of genetic control on provenance level (0.36~0.83). The clear bole height, index of typhoon resistance and tree height were apparently inherited. Highly phenotypic and genetic correlations were found among traits. Provenance selection based on principal component values of genetics was made: provenances from Queensland were better than those from New South Wales and Victoria; two superior performance provenances, 13443 from Kennedy River QLD and 13544 from North Gladstone QLD were selected. According to the hereditary stability analysis, the heritability was slowly decreasing with the increase in the age of the tree. Some profitable suggestions were also provided for further improvement in future.