Treesearch

A 17.5-acre non-irrigated biomass energy plantation has been established near San Luis Obispo. This joint California Polytechnic State University - California Department of Forestry project is measuring plot growth response of seven eucalyptus species for three spacing trials and for the effect of fertilization. All study plots are replicated. Site preparation strategy, planting, and maintenance and protection problems are discussed. The most important problem is the heavy weed growth. Herbicides and mechanical methods were used to control competing vegetation. A continuous effort is...

A.FO.CEL has developed a technique for mass propagation by cuttings of Eucalyptus in France. This technique is described from the selection of the ortet to the mass propagation of the clone for afforestation: the first stage is the mobilization of the ortet, the second stage is called pre-propagation which includes rejuvenating and rooting conditioning, the third stage is mass propagation. The mass propagation is realized from successive propagations of mother trees; the number of which increases from generation to generation by including the new rooted cuttings. We give practical advices...

Six promising eucalypt species, suitable for fiber or biomass production, have been identified with some confidence: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. dalrympleana, E. viminalis, E. nitens, E. globulus, and E. grandis. The Forest Service's Institute of Forest Genetics has established provenance or seed source tests of E. camaldulensis, E. grandis, E. nitens, and the E. dalrympleana-E. viminalis complex. In E. camaldulensis, the Lake Albacutya source is outstandingly superior to any other, and can probably double yields previously achieved with this species in California. Growth among E. grandis...

Clines, including hybrid zones, have long been studied empirically and theoretically, especially for the opportunity they present to study evolutionary forces (Sumner, 1929; Haldane, 1948; Barber and Jackson, 195 7). Recent theoretical studies have emphasized that clines may be important in speciation (summarized in Endler, 1977). This emphasis has motivated mathematical modelling of gene flow and selection (Endler, 1973; Slatkin, 1973; Nagylaki, 1975, 1976), and has renewed interest in the origin and evolution of steep clines (Endler, 197 7; Moore, 197 7).

A thorough evaluation of all factors possibly affecting a large-scale planting of eucalyptus is foremost in determining the cost effectiveness of the planned operation. Seven basic areas of concern must be analyzed: 1. Species Selection 2. Site Preparation 3. Planting 4. Weed Control 5. Irrigation 6. Harvest Planning 7. Economics of Co-generation Only after detailed analysis has been completed, can the decision to move forward with major capital expenditures be made. Present pay-back is marginal depending on cost of installations, operating expenses and "avoidable rate" payments from...

E. grandis is in the fourth generation of selection in southwest Florida. The breeding strategy combines a provenance trial, genetic base population, seedling seed orchard, and progeny test in a single plantation where all families are completely randomized in single-tree plots. That planting configuration closely predicted the magnitude of genetic gain realized through age 2.5 years in a simulated commercial plantation: up to 66 percent gain in tree height, 164 percent gain in stem volume, plus significant gains in stem straightness and freeze tolerance.

A container reforestation system has been researched and developed in Hawaii which results in consistently high survival and growth rates for eucalyptus seedlings. Mean survival of containerized saligna eucalyptus (Eucalyptus saligna Smith) seedlings is 90 percent with a standard deviation of 4. Because transplant shock is minimal, seedlings begin to grow quickly. Mean survival of bare-root saligna eucalyptus seedlings was only 56 percent with a standard deviation of 32, and about 70 percent of the seedlings suffered stem dieback. The containerized system includes the nursery, transport,...

Coppicing of eucalypts saves replanting after harvesting, but plan for coppice before planting seedlings. Select a species that coppices in the planned season of harvest; plan spacing and harvesting methods so that harvesting will not damage stumps; plan coppice management. Best coppice is produced by spring harvest with chain saws, low stumps, no bark or root damage, and no debris left on stumps. Problems are fire hazard, regeneration from seeds, coppice reduction, and killing an unwanted coppice crop.