We studied the genetic polymorphism among 29 clones of shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb) belonging to different geographic regions using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Out of 30 primers used, only 20 primers generated polymorphism in amplified product. In total 232 bands were amplified with 20 primers, of which 192 (82%) were polymorphic with an average of 9.6 bands/primer. The resolving power (Rp) ranged from 2.14 (Primer 5) to 11.93 (Primer 4). Primer 4 and Primer 3 possessed high Rp value. Polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.15 (Primer 5) to 0.37 (Primer 4). Primer 4 amplified total 18 bands in 29 genotypes with PIC value of 0.37 hence; this set of primer was most informative. The similarity coefficient analysis revealed two clusters. The first cluster comprised of only 10 clones and the second major cluster comprised of 19 clones. The genetic similarity among 29 clones ranged from 25.86% (clone 10 and 235) to 100% (clone 19 and 59), suggesting a wide genetic base in shisham clones.

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The study of genetic variability is a prerequisite for any tree improvement program. Screening of clones showing the effect of dominance in growth and tree form is essential to identify productive clones, matched to sites. Our study performed in a clonal seed orchard at Lacchiwala of India, represented by 31 clones of Dalbergia sissoo (Shisham) Roxb. from diverse locations revealed signifi cant variability at the 0.1% level of signifi cance in various morphological traits. At the age of 13 years, clone 196 (Gonda) revealed maximum height of 20.2 m and a girth at breast height of 74.2 cm. The fi ve identifi ed clones viz. 196, 198, 192, 123 and 235 were well adapted to the climatic conditions of this zone, hence survived well and showed good performance compared to other clones. Heritability estimates of 87%, 83% and 80% for height, crown width and crown length respectively coupled with high genetic gains indicated strong genetic control of these variables. A correlation matrix of various growth attributes revealed positive correlation among these attributes. On the basis of the entire set of growth variables, the clones were grouped into two major clusters with three subgroups.

Bamboos are arborescent grasses belonging to the family Poaceae. To study the genetics of bamboo specially, one has to face enormous difficulties such as rare flowering and we cannot make hybridizations as easily as like other plant taxa. Unlike other tropical bamboos, studies on hill bamboos are scarce. Arundinaria falcata, an important hill bamboo, acts as soil stabilizer in hilly terrain. This study assessed the genetic diversity of 10 accessions of A. falcata collected from different localities of Garhwal Himalayas (India) and established at Hill bamboo Germplasm at Khirsu (India), using isozyme marker with four enzyme system (peroxidase, esterase, malate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme). Isozymatic analyses were performed with polyacrylamide gels (one system), bands were scored as binary data. Cluster analyses were conducted, using Jaccard´s similarity coefficient and UPGMA method. Very high degree of similarity was reported i.e. 63-94% among different accessions. Dendrogram revealed two major clusters with three (A8-A10) and seven (A1-A7) accessions respectively. The results obtained inferred low genetic diversity in the species and urgent need of the in situ conservation of the natural genetic resources of the A. falcata species.

Growth and physiological variability among clones of Dalbergia sissoo growing in a CSO revealed maximum height and GBH in Gonda clones (C196 and C198) and minimum growth attributes in Rajasthan clones. All biochemical constituents except sugar were also maximum in Gonda clones. Maximum chl. a, total chl., and chlorofluorescence (CF) were recorded in C235 and C123 while chl. b was maximum in C198. Among tested clones, sugar content was maximum in C60 (Chhachhrauli) while C198 (Gonda) revealed maximum protein content. Heritability estimates of 8 characters at 99% revealed strong genetic control of total chls., sugars, proteins, and chl. b; however, maximum genetic gains of 117% and 80% were recorded for sugar and protein content, respectively. Correlation matrix revealed a positive correlation between height and GBH and CF. Among biochemical constituents, chl. a, and chl. b, chl. b, and total chl. were correlated significantly at 0.1% level. Regarding contribution of different parameters to variability, height and GBH were the greatest contributors. Clustering of clones on the basis of all three parameters separated clones in one major and six minor clusters. Average distance from centroid was found to be 22.61 whereas the maximum distance from centroid was 50.75.