Genetic Divergence Studies in Ailanthus excelsa Using D2 Analysis

Aims: To estimate the genetic diversity studies among the biometric attributes of 30 progenies in Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.

Place and Duration of Study: The study has conducted at Forest College and Research Institute, TNAU, Mettupalayam during 2015-2018.

Methodology: The D2 statistics was adopted for the estimation of genetic divergence. Using D2 statistical results, the clustering of progenies was done. The progenies were grouped into different clusters using ‘GENERES’ statistical package on the basis of D2 values according to Tocher’s method as suggested by Rao.

Results: The 30 progeny of Ailanthus excelsa has grouped into nine clusters and among the nine clusters, the cluster IV has ten progenies. The maximum intra cluster distance was exhibited by the cluster VIII followed by cluster IV. The maximum inter cluster distance was in cluster III which indicated the presence of wider genetic distance between Ailanthus excelsa progenies. Among the growth attributes, volume index contributed maximum percentage towards genetic divergence.

Conclusion: The results of 30 progeny of Ailanthus excels showed the presence of wider genetic distance between Ailanthus excelsa progenies.