Clonal Multiplication

In the clonal multiplication lab, clonal multiplication reproduces clones, which contain all the genetic information of the parent tree. Commercial propagation of Teak, Bamboo and around 25 medicinal plants such as Aegle marmelos, Gmelina arborea, Saraca asoka, Terminalia arjuna, Stereospermum colais, Oroxylum indicum, Clerodendrum serratum, Salacia fruticosa etc. for which KFRI has standardised the clonal propagation procedure. Research programmes for standardisation of clonal propagation of imported forest trees are also being developed at the institute.

A clonal nursery for vegetative multiplication of E. grandis, the high-range species, a mist chamber and a store/office cum potting shed was constructed at Devikulam. The facility is established about 1.5 km away from the Munnar Forest Division Office at the 1994-Kacheriland E. grandis plantation.

The field clonal multiplication facility for vegetative propagation of low-land eucalypts and acacia species, comprised of a field clonal propagation unit (FCPU) with ten propagation trenches with provision for misting, was established at Kottappara. Kottappara is in the Kodnad Range of Malayattoor Division.