Influence of levels of genetic diversity on fruit quality in teak (Tectona grandis L.f.)

Abstract

The study on the influence of genetic diversity on the fruit emptiness and seed germination (as a measure of fruit quality) of teak populations was carried out. The populations comprised three unimproved plantations, three seed-production areas and a clonal seed orchard within Karnataka. Significant variation between the populations was observed for fruit emptiness, seed germination and Jaccard's dissimilarity index of the parent population. Genetic dissimilarity of populations was positively correlated to fruit emptiness and negatively correlated to seed germination. It is inferred that higher genetic dissimilarity of individuals within the population results in higher flower asynchrony and close-related mating, thereby leading to higher inbreeding depression manifested in the form of higher emptiness and low germination percentage.