Vol. 12, Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
ST Binisundar, G Ashokkumar, P Rajarathinam, A Jaya Jasmine and S Vasanth

Abstract:
In this study, the mean performance of various clove accessions, as well as a local check, was assessed in terms of tree characteristics and bud yield. The results indicate that the accessions exhibit significant variation in their tree characteristics, comprising an average height of 9.02 metres for the trees, an average stem girth of 38.76 centimetres, an average leaf length of 10.16 cm, an average leaf breadth of 6.09 cm, and an average number of branches per tree of roughly 13.28. Furthermore, an average dry bud yield of 0.99 kg per tree was shown for the accessions; values ranged from 0.66 kg to 1.67 kg per tree. On the other hand, the local check showed particular features: an average of 10 branches per tree; a dry bud yield of 0.71 kg per tree; a tree height of 12.34 metres; a stem girth of 40.99 cm; a leaf length of 11.67 cm; a leaf breadth of 4.89 cm. With regard to tree growth and bud yield, these results give a thorough understanding of the differences in performance between various accessions and the local check. The genetic divergence study produced seven unique clusters, the biggest of which, Cluster II, showed strong genetic similarity among genotypes SA-8, SA-10, SA-12, SA-7, SA-5, SA-4, SA-6, SA-9, SA-2, and SA-14. The formation of these clusters provides valuable insights into the genetic relationships and diversity among the evaluated genotypes. The study also explores genetic variability, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, shedding light on the diverse facets of clove cultivation and breeding strategies.