Coimbatore: Institute of Forest Genetic and Tree Breeding (IFGTB) at RS Puram here has developed two clones from the Eucalyptus hybrid which will grow 10% more than the best Eucalyptus clones available with the institute now.
The new clone is the result of several years of research by a team of scientists led by D Rajasugunasekar.
They work with interspecific hybrids of three different species – tereteticornis Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Camaldulensis and Eucalyptus Grandis – to develop a new one.
Jajasugunasekar said while they had developed 11 clones so far, this was the first time they developed hybrid clones through pollination controlled facilities.
“Clones are developed from known father and mother tree species, technically referred to as full choice.” Another group of scientists led by R Anandalakshmi has, in the meantime, developing six new kalophyllum inophyllum clones, commonly referred to as ‘Tamanu’ or ‘Mastwood’ or Punnai trees (in Tamil).
The trees are cultivated because of their fruits containing high oil.
They are used for skin care.
While the variations of trees from non-fixed seeds can produce 4.3kg per tree per year, increased varieties can produce fruit up to 6kg.
“Punnai is an environmentally friendly tree, which functions as a good bioshield on the beach, growing in varies.
This type of land and supporting apiculture and agroforestry.
This is a beautiful tree for urban forestry and can be planted along the road and the highway,” Anandalakshmi said.
The new Punnai clone has 50% more oil content than normal and starts to produce in six years, which is two years earlier than normal.
One liter of pure punnai oil can take Rs 5,000 to RS 8.000.c Kunhikannan, Director, IFGTB, said the variety of the release of the Forestry Council and Education Education Committee India approved a clone on Thursday.