The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic diversity among different candidate plus trees (CPTs) of Melia composita for providing a wider base for the further improvement of this versatile short rotation tree species. RAPD molecular markers were used to evaluate the genetic diversity in populations of Melia composita Willd. (Burma dek) from different agroclimatic regions. Out of the 38 decamer primers used, 13 yielded polymorphic banding patterns. In total, 105 different bands were reproducibly obtained, out of which 69 (65.7%) were polymorphic. The polymorphisms were scored and used in band-sharing analysis to identify genetic relationships. Cluster analysis based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient using UPGMA grouped all the 24 populations into two major groups. Similarity indices ranged from 0.80 to 0.91, indicating that Burma dek germplasm within India constitutes considerably narrow genetic base. The present study reveals that PCR based fingerprinting technique, RAPD; is informative for estimating the extent of genetic diversity as well as to determine the pattern of genetic relationships between different candidate plus trees (CPTs) of Melia composita with polymorphism levels sufficient to establish informative fingerprints with relatively fewer primer sets. Hence the study provides a basis for tree breeders to make informed choices on selection of parental material based on genetic diversity to help overcome some of the problems usually associated with a tree crop improvement program.
Poplar is an important tree of agroforestry systems. Among several insect pests Clostera spp. pose serious threat to the poplar trees as it defoliates their leaves completely. Hisar, Haryana witnessed the outbreak of this pest during September-October months in the year 2016. Keeping that in view, biology of this insect was studied during October 2016. The total duration of immature stage was found to be 24.1 days. The fecundity of adult females recorded to be 186 eggs per female. Full grown final instar larva consumed 2.99 g. The life history information would be useful in efficient management of this pest.
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