Coimbatore: Institute of Forest Genetic and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore, has developed two clones from Eucalyptus hybrids that have a superiority of growth of more than 10% above and above the best eucalyptus clones available with IFGTB.
A team of scientists led by D king Suguna Sekar, who have worked on Eucalyptus elections for several years now, have come up with new clones.
They have worked with interspecific hybrids of three different species – Eucalyptus Terticornis, Eucalyptus Camaldulensis and Eucalyptus Grandis – to develop new ones.
A group of scientists led by Dr.
R Anandalakshmi developed six new clones from Calophyllum inophyllum, commonly referred to in Taman or Mastwood and Punnai Tree in Tamil.
The trees are cultivated for the fruit which contains high oil content, which is used for skin care.
While the variations of trees from the source of seeds that are not repaired can produce up to 4.3 kg of fruit per tree per year, improved varieties can increase results up to 6 kg.
“Punnai is an environmentally friendly tree that functions as a good bio protector on the beach, grows in various types of land and supports apiculture and agroforestry.
This is a beautiful tree for urban forestry where it can be planted along the road and the highway,” said Anandalakshmi.
The new Punnai clone can have 50% more oil content than normal and start producing in six years, which is two years earlier than normal.
One liter of pure punnai oil can take between Rs 5000 and Rs 8,000.
C Kunhikannan, the Director of the IFGTB, said the Variety Releasing Committee of the Forestry Council and research education in his meeting on Thursday approved new clones.