Growth and form of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. provenances in northern Nigeria

Abstract

The following growth and form characteristics of 18-year-old provenances of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. grown at Kabama and Afaka in the Northern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria were studied: tree height, diameter at breast height, number of forks, first fork height, number of stems per fork, stem form, branch diameter, branch angle, number of branches and taper. The provenances involved in the study were three from Queensland (Petford, Eulo and Bullock Creek), four from Northern Territory (Katherine, Tennant Creek, Newcastle Waters and Alice Springs), two from Western Australia (Willuna and Mundiwindi) and one from New South Wales (Silverton). The analyses of variance carried out generally revealed a great degree of genetic diversity in the species with respect to these characteristics. No one provenance showed the best promise for all the characteristics. The Petford, Queensland, provenance had the fastest growth rate, straightest stem and highest first fork height among the provenances. The Silverton, New South Wales, provenance, which exhibited the slowest growth rate, had the lowest number of forks, number of stems per fork, thinnest branches and smallest taper. There was significant provenance × site interaction in only tree height and number of stems per fork. Thet Petford provenance is the most desirable provenance for use in the Savanna Zone because of its fast growth and stem form. Its other characteristics can be improved through selection and breeding.