Growth Performance of Eucalypt Clones in Tanzania

Pima N.E,Maguzu J,Iddi S,Chamshama S.A.O

doi:10.13189/eer.2016.040306

Abstract

A research study was conducted to assess the growth performance of Eucalypt clones in Tanzania. Eucalypt clones of Eucalyptus grandis x E. camaldulensis (GC), E. grandis x E. urophylla (GU), E. grandis x E. tereticornis (GT) were established in Lushoto, Kwamarukanga, Kibaha and Tabora sites. Survival, Diameter at breast height, height and biomass were collected while volume and basal area were evaluated. All assessed variable were subjected to ANOVA. Significant (p 90% in Lushoto and Kwamarukanga sites where as the other sites showed intermediate and low survival. Clones at Lushoto site had highest Dbh, height, basal area, volume, Mean annual increment and biomass followed by clones at Kwamarukanga, Kibaha and Tabora sites. It was concluded that at 8 year old Eucalypt clones showed good survival and growth needed for various uses. This study recommended that GC581, GC584 and GU608 are better for Lushoto, GC15, GC167 and GC940 for Kibaha, GC514, GT529 and GC940 for Kwamarukanga and GC15, GC584 and GC940 for Tabora. The outstanding clones are recommended for planting in areas with climatic conditions similar to the sites where they were tested.

Highlights

Eucalyptus is among the most widely cultivated forest trees in the world
The best overall survival of Eucalypt clone at Lushoto site was obtained for grandis x E. camaldulensis (GC) 10, GC 15, GC 167, GC 785 and GC 796 (100%) whilst the poorest was 84% for GC 514
For Kwamarukanga, GC 940, grandis x E. tereticornis (GT) 529 and GC 514 were the best survivors with survival of 98.44%, 97.10% and 96.98% respectively compared to the rest of the clones

Summary

Introduction

Eucalyptus is among the most widely cultivated forest trees in the world (over 22 million hectares (ha) [1]. The major Eucalyptus growing countries includes Brazil (3.7 mil ha), India (2.5mil ha) and China (1.7 mil ha). In Tanzania, it is estimated that there are about 25 000 ha of Eucalypts plantations [3] of which 4 665 ha are grown by government and the rest are grown by the private sector and small-scale farmers [4]. Eucalyptus species that are commonly planted in Tanzania are E. saligna, E. grandis, E. camaldulensis, E. globules, E. viminalis, E. citriodora, E. regnas, E. microtheca, E. tereticornis, E. maidenii. E. maculata, E. paniculata, E. resinifera, E.urophylla and E. robusta

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Conclusion