Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Growth Performance and Survival Rate in a Clonal Test of Peronema canescens

Quantitative genetic parameters were estimated for three characters that are important to timber production and survival of Peronema canescens planted in West Java and Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Significant clonal variation was detected for tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH) and survival rate among 150 clones of P. canescens by age of four years. Clonal survival rates were, on average, 47.8 % in West Java and 29.2 % in Central Kalimantan. The averages of tree height and DBH in Central Kalimantan were higher than those in West Java (4.71 m vs. 1.30 m in height and 8.73 cm vs. 1.72 cm in DBH). Tree height growth was significantly correlated with DBH growth whereas rank correlation of growth trait between sites was weak and non-significant. Highly significant differences in height, DBH growth and survival were observed among sites and between clones. The broad sense heritability was estimated separately in each site which was shown to be under moderate genetic control. Expected genetic response was estimated as a percentage of test mean in tree height and DBH growth after one generation of selection. The genetic response for tree height was expected to be 11.5 % in Java and 12.8 % in Kalimantan when the best 50% of superior clones were selected and used in a planting program. This result suggests that genetic improvement of growth traits through clone selection in P. canescens would be possible. The genetic gain could result in substantial returns if a large planting program would be developed.