Evolving Genetically Improved Clones of Poplars by Mutation Breeding

There is an urgent need to increase tbe production of raw material for the wood based industries in our country. Poplars also merit our attention In this context, instead of depending upon the introduced clones there is a need to initiate work on the genetic improvement of poplars One of the methods to improve poplars genetically is to induce variability by gamma rays and pickup mutants. In this context cuttings of P. ciliata, P. deltoldes and P. jacometli were irradiated wlth 1, 2, 4 and 8 Kr, doses of gamma rays. Preliminary results have indicated the effectiveness of gamma rays in producing variability in different parameters namely height, collar diameter, resistance to cylindrocladium and morphological abnormalities in foliar characteristics. The results are indicative that mutation breeding bas practical possibility for induction and isolation of desirable mutations in poplars.