Fast growing deciduous Paulownia species have caught greater attention in afforestation and agroforestry programmes. A trial comprising four Paulownia species was conducted at the Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar, to asses the genetic variability based on growth parameters. These parameters such as tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH) and survival were assessed after one and two years of plantation. The results showed highly significant differences in the tested traits among the four species. Paulownia catalpifolia was top ranking followed by Paulownia tomentosa. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were higher i.e. 23.43% and 24.36% for DBH. During the study of both years this trait also showed genetic consistency for these coefficients, broad sense heritability (0.93, 0.96) and genetic advance (2.62, 2.92). Based on these findings it is suggested that P. catalpifolia and P. tomentosa may be more appropriate in species improvement programme and for further field cultivation.

Key Words: Paulownia, genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance