Linear thinning in a clonal test of eucalyptus Camaldulensis for conversion to a clonal seed orchard

In this study, we Used linear deployment technique to carry out genetic thinning of clones and ramets in a three-year-old clonal test of Eucalyptus camaldulensis for converting it to a seed orchard. Four different Strategies, namely, truncation selection and three linear thinning options, were employed to have a balanced representation of clones in the orchard. Three linear strategies were considered, namely, to retain the same ramet number, to keep the gain same or to keep the diversity same Lis with truncation Selection. The gain and diversity that can be achieved with the different options were studied Using suitable intercept and slope values for the linear deployment line. Linear deployment. retaining the same ramet, number was efficient in conserving diversity compared with the Second strategy of keeping genetic gain the same as truncation selection. The third strategy which provided maximum gain at the same diversity as truncation selection was suggested to be the most balanced method of thinning the orchard as it provided high gain and reasonable diversity and adequate options for further thinning based on later observations including fertility Simple mass selection for height growth was as effective as the second linear strategy in terms of both genetic gain and diversity.