Intraspecific variation on early growth of Neolamarckia cadamba MIQ. In provenance-progeny tests in West Java Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Genetic parameters on early growth of Neolamarckia cadamba, an indigenous species with potential as a source of wood timber, were estimated in open-pollinated provenance-progeny tests at two sites in West Java Province, Indonesia. The experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design with 12 provenances, 105 families and 5 replications of 4-tree row plots. Total height and root collar diameter were measured at the age of 18 months growth. Significant differences among the provenances and families within provenances were observed for height and collar diameter at all sites, except for the collar diameter of among provenances at Parungpanjang site. In general, Garut (GSJ) provenance performed better growth at the two sites than Kualakencana (KKP) and Nusa Kambangan (NKJ) provenances. The evaluation of component of variance at the two sites showed that the provenance effects (ranging from 0.5 to 1.7%) contributed more to total variance than family within provenance effects(ranging from 0.4 to 0.6%). Genetic correlations between height and collar diameter were weak to moderate. Heritability was low for all traits at Limbangan, while at Parungpanjang, the heritability was moderate. Estimation of genetic gain for height and diameter by proportional selected family 0.30 was 0.13 and 0.18 for Limbangan and 0.31 and 0.16 for Parungpanjang. Heritability measurement should be sustained to reach stable value. Stable heritability combined with selection of family and selection within family will improve genetic gain.