Estimates of Components ofVariance, Genetic Gain and Heritability for Growth, Physiological and Biochemical Traits of Casuarina Clones under Varying Levels of Salinity Stress

摘要

Eight clones of Casuarina (four of Casuarina junghuhniana and four of inter-specific hybrids of Casuarina equisetifolia * C. junghuhniana) were subjected to saline water irrigation with different concentrations of NaCI viz., 0, 40, 80 and 120 mM. After twelve months of study period, significant genetic variability was observed among clones for growth, physiological and biochemical traits. High estimates of heritability with reasonable genetic advance were observed for plant height, collar diameter, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight and root length. Increase in genetic advance with increase in salinity levels (with highest genetic advance at 120 mM NaCI) coupled with high heritability estimates for all the characters suggested the potentiality ofclonal material for improvement through selection for planting under saline soils.