Vegetative Propagation of Trees: Principles and Practices

Tree improvement is achieved by clonal selection due to improvements in vegetable propagation techniques. The clonal propagation offers higher genetic gain than that is possible with seed propagation. The clonal technology facilititates rapid selection of outstanding genotypes from the clonal stocks of candidate trees for the exploitation of heterosis. The literature available on vegetative propagation is very extensive and not easily accessible. Hence this book attempts to consolidate the different aspects involved in the vegetative propagation aspects involved in the vegetative propagation of trees. The importance of vegetative propagation for tree improvement is discussed in the chapter 1. The knowledge of genetic variation of the forest populations is important in determining the efficiency of different selection procedures and the criteria for the selection of superior tree is discussed the Chapter 2. The production of quality seedlings for better survival and growth after transplanting ultimately required better potting media and the chapter 3 gives meticulous information about this aspect. The function and practical application of different plant growth regulators is discussed in chapter 4. Production of large quantities if superior propagules is the great thrust in production forestry and hence the various propagation methods, structures and hardwares for accelerating the process of production of superior clones is briefly discussed in the chapters 5, 6, and 7. The chapter 8 and 9 gives an account of various pest and diseases affecting the forest trees and their control measures. The successful vegetative propagation methods developed for the economically important trees is dealt in the chapter 10 and the chapter 11 includes the revolutionary works made through the tissue culture techniques by the induction of genetic variability through somatic hybridization induction if mutants and DNA recombinant technology. Thus this book will serve the need of the students and the researchers studying/working in the field of forestry.