GENOTYPIC VARIATIONS OF OPEN-POLLINATED FAMILIES OF <em>CINNAMOMUM</em> <em>CAMPHORA</em> SEEDLINGS FROM SOUTH CHINA

Abstract

To get better understanding of genotypic variations of camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), a total of 179 open-pollinated families of seedlings from six provinces of south China were evaluated using leaf and growth characteristics. Families differed significantly in leaf features (leaf area, leaf margin circumference, leaf maximum length, leaf maximum width and leaf length to width ratio), and in growth traits (seedling height, seedling basal diameter and seedling height to basal diameter ratio). High heritability values were found for entire eight traits, ranging from 0.623 to 0.974. Genetic and phenotypic correlation analysis revealed significant and positive associations between leaf features, growth traits as well as both types of traits. Principle component analyses showed considerable diversity in the studied families and 90.65% of total variations were explained by the first three components. Cluster analysis classified these progenies into 16 clusters and each was distinguished by specific characteristics in terms of leaf and growth traits. Linear regression analysis established equations with significant coefficients and correlations for the linking of leaf area to both height and basal diameter. These data could be considered as valuable genetic resources for selecting breeding programmes in future.