Variability, Heritability and Genetic Gain in Growth Characteristics of Half-sib Progenies of Pinus Wallichiana A. B. Jackson Plus Trees in the Kashmir Himalaya, India

Large scale exploitation coupled with dysgenic selection of ecologically and commercially important Pinus wallichiana (blue pine) though has eroded its gene pool but it still exhibits wide variability which could be utilized for its genetic improvement. It is in this context that eighty eight plus trees from the entire distributional range of blue pine in Kashmir Himalaya were selected on the basis of desirable traits. One year old half-sib progenies of these plus trees were evaluated under nursery conditions for six traits. Genetic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance showed that a large portion of phenotypic variability was genetic and highly heritable, particularly in respect of collar diameter, seedling height, needle diameter and seedling survival. High heritability estimates were associated with high genetic gain for collar diameter and seedling height suggesting additive gene control of the inheritance of these traits. Plus tree number 15 located at Arthnari in forest compartment no. 38/L of Lidder forest division was outstanding in respect of most of the growth characteristics and could be used as the source genetic stock for large scale production of quality planting material (QPM) required in afforestation and reforestation programmes of the species.