Interspecific crosses in the genus Hevea a preliminary progeny test of salb resistant dwarf hybrids

Abstract

Interspecific crosses between Hevea camargoana and Hevea brasliensis were used to obtain good producers of dwarf ortet progenies of Hevea resistants to SALB. Correlations among yield, total height, stem diameter, number of leaf flushes, bark thickness, number of latex vessels rings, diameter of latex vessels rings, density of latex vessels per mm² per ring, and leaf thickness were also studied. Among these nine characters, latex yield was shown to be positively correlated with total height, diameter, bark thickess, number of latex vessels rings, density of vessels per mm² per ring and leaf thickness. Selection of the ortets was based on the occurrence of correlations between yield and yield determining factors. Seven ortets were selected based on yield, bark thickness, stem diameter and latex vessels ring number. It is supposed that both yield and Microcyclus ulei (P. Henn.) V. Arx, resistance resulting from the combination H. camargoana vs Fx 4098 should produce progenies with superior characteristics. Testing this hypothesis under graft conditions is recommended.