Among these, clones such as UPASI-3, UPASI-8, UPASI-17, UPASI-25, UPASI-27, UPASI-28 and TRF-1 are high yielders. Clones such as UPASI-2, UPASI-6, UPASI-9, UPASI-20 and UPASI-26 are moderate yielders but are tolerant to drought. Certain SriLankan clones such as TRI-2024, TRI-2025 and TRI 2026 and a few estate clones such as CR-6017, C-1, ATK-1 and SA-6 are also widely used for planting in southern India. Current clonal selection work in the Anamallais, Nelliampathy and Nilgiris resulted in the selection of 140 bushes based on visual examination. Studies are in progress to monitor their nursery and field performance.

BICLONAL SEED STOCKS Besides the clones, five biclonal seed stocks have also been released for commercial planting. The biclonal seed stocks are UPASI: BSS-1 to BSS-5. These seed stocks germinate early in the nursery and establish well in the field. They are excellent for infilling, replanting and extension planting. The stocks are moderate yielders but are tolerant to drought. Seed bari blocks for all the five seed stocks have been established in the Research Institute and in other planting districts for supplying seeds to the tea growers. There are specific designs for seed baries for BSS I and II and III, IV and V. The seed baries are regularly inspected and certified by the personnel from TRF. In the current hybridization programme crosses were made between UPASI -9 and the drought tolerant clone C-1, blister resistant clone SMP-1 and the quality clone CR-6017. Progenies derived out of all these crosses were planted in the field for studying their field performance.