Identification of best performing ardu (Ailanthus excelsa) genotypes in semi-arid ecosystems of Rajasthan

An experiment was conducted during 2006-08 to screen 18 genotypes of ardu (Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.) and to select the best amongst all for semi-arid regions of Rajasthan. Among the genotypes, 'Sel 9' and 'Sel 7' performed consistently with higher growth characteristics in both the years. The highest plant height 40.7, 100.7, 150.0 and 251.3 cm was recorded in 'Sel 9' at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after planting, respectively. Maximum crown diameter was observed in 'Sel 9' (1.50 cm) which was at par with 10 genotypes ('Set 1-7, 10, 12 and 14') at 6 months after planting over other selections. At 12, 18 and 24 months after planting of ardu, 'Sel 7' gave the highest 3.92, 5.73 and 9.34 cm crown diameter, respectively. 'Sel 7 and 9' accumulate more leaf area over all the genotypes. At 12 and 18 months after planting 'Sel 9' was recorded 139.2 and 95.4 cm 2 leaf area/leaflet, respectively which was significantly at par with other 10 genotypes. The mean values of drymatter accumulation/plant were 0.014, 0.168, 0.215 and 0.434 recorded at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after planting. At 12, 18 and 24 months after planting, the highest values of drymatter accumulation was recorded (0.35, 0.34 and 0.75 kg/plant) with 'Sel 9' and it was at par with 'Sel 1-3, 5-7, 10, 12 and 14' than the rest of the selections. In genotype 'Sel 9', the highest value of plant growth rate (1.91, 1.91 and 4.19 g/day/plant) was recorded at 12, 18 and 24 months after planting over other genotypes of ardu. The genotypes 'Sel 9' and 'Sel 7' were identified as the best for multiplication in the field to increase the fodder yield for small ruminants and fuelwood and timber for burgeoning human population in the semi-arid areas.