Evaluation of Genetic Parameters of Growth Characteristics and Basic Density of Eucalyptus pellita Clones Planted at Two Different Sites in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Eucalyptus pellita is one of the fast-growing tree species and has become predominant in Indonesian forest plantations. Meanwhile, tree breeding programs with clone development are the best way to provide greater genetic advantages. A better understanding of genetic control on growth and basic density in E. pellita is important for increasing wood productivity and quality. In this study, growth characteristics (tree height, diameter, and volume), basic density and its genetic parameters (heritability, genetic gain and genetic correlation) were determined. The number of clones tested in both trials was 50, divided into 5 blocks, and 5 trees/plot. The results showed that there were significant differences in growth and basic density among clones. There was an interaction between genetics and the environment further indicating the existence of unstable clones. The high heritability was found in tree height (0.82–0.86), diameter (0.82–0.90), and basic density (0.91–0.93). This implies that E. pellita has good opportunities for genetic improvement to increase wood productivity and quality. In addition, the results of genetic correlations among growth characteristics (height, diameter, and volume) and basic density showed positive moderate to highly significant value. It is suggested that these characters may be used to the advantage of the breeder for bringing improvement in these traits simultaneously. Therefore, this study provides important information of the genetic improvement of wood quality in E. pellita in Indonesia.