GROWTH-ALLOMETRY RELATIONS IN SALIX SPECIES AND FAMILIES, HAVING DIFFERENT TREE FORM AND BEING UNDER DIFFERENT MATING DESIGN

Regression techniques were used to estimate biomass for different gene tic entries in a breeding program. Growth (biomass production) in Sali x amygdaloides and S. eriocephala was correlated to height of the majo r stem, basal diameter of the major stem, number of stems larger or eq ual to 1.5 cm, number of stems smaller than 1.5 cm. In S. amygdaloides (a tree-form willow), basal diameter alone was a good predictor of gr owth. In S. eriocephala (a shrub), height of the major stem and the nu mber of stems greater or equal to 1.5 cm were the best estimators of g rowth. Simpler models were developed in S. amygdaloides families versu s S. eriocephala families, and in full-sib families versus half-sib fa milies.