GROWTH OF ACACIA HYBRID CLONES WITH FAST GROWTH POTENTIAL SELECTED BY MOLECULAR MARKERS

Abstract

Acacia hybrid, a fast-growing tree taxa, were recognized for its high wood yield and broad adaptability, making it a primary plantation species for timber production. While breeding programs for hybrid acacia have been underway since the 1990s, research employing molecular marker-assisted selection methods commenced around 2010. This paper presents the findings of a growth evaluation conducted on clonal hybrid acacia lines, previously selected using molecular markers, at a trial site in Cam Lo, Quang Tri province. The research outcomes demonstrate significant variations in growth characteristics and stem quality among the evaluated clones. Notably, clones BV611, BV604, and BV645 exhibited superior performance in terms of diameter at breast height (DBH), ranging from 13.14cm to 14.85cm, and average tree height, ranging from 15.23m to 16.24m. These clones also displayed higher productivity, with annual yields of 32.66, 31.68, and 25.65 m³/ha/year, respectively, alongside enhanced stem form, when compared to other tested clones and control clones. The correlation coefficient between the number of molecular markers and the growth performance of the selected hybrid acacia clones was determined to be 0.2228.