History and Status ofEucalyptusImprovement in Florida

Donald L Rockwood

doi:10.1155/2012/607879

Abstract

The first organizedEucalyptusresearch in Florida was begun by the Florida Forests Foundation in 1959 in southern Florida. This research was absorbed by the USDA Forest Service and the Florida Division of Forestry in 1968. In the early 1970s, the Eucalyptus Research Cooperative formed to provide additional support emphasizedE. grandis,E. robusta,E. camaldulensis, andE. tereticornisand developed cultural practices for commercial plantations in southern Florida. In 1978, this cooperative united with the Hardwood Research Cooperative at North Carolina State University until 1985 when the 14-year effort ended after three severe freezes from 1983 to 1985.Eucalyptusplanting and research were continued with a Florida-wide focus by the University of Florida and collaborators starting in 1980. The collective accomplishments in terms of genetic resources and commercial planting are summarized. For example, fast-growing, freeze-resilientE. grandisseedlings are produced by advanced generation seed orchards, fiveE. grandiscultivars are commercially available, as areE. amplifoliaandCorymbia torellianaseeds. Genetic improvement of these and other species is ongoing due to beneficial collaborations. Short Rotation Woody Crop systems are promising for increasing productivity and extending uses beyond conventional pulpwood to applications such as windbreaks, dendroremediation, and energy wood.

Highlights

Eucalyptus species were introduced in the South as early as 1878, but no significant commercial plantations were established until the late 1960s [1]
This effort led to the selection of E. grandis, E. robusta, E. camaldulensis, and E. tereticornis from 67 species tested and to the development of cultural practices for raising seedlings and establishing commercial plantations in southern Florida [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13]
In southern and into central Florida, E. grandis seedlings from advanced generation orchards may be successfully deployed in most years

Summary

Introduction

Eucalyptus species were introduced in the South as early as 1878, but no significant commercial plantations were established until the late 1960s [1]. In the early 1970s, a eucalyptus research cooperative was formed by seven companies to provide financial and research support to the Forest Service. This effort led to the selection of E. grandis, E. robusta, E. camaldulensis, and E. tereticornis from 67 species tested and to the development of cultural practices for raising seedlings and establishing commercial plantations in southern Florida [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13].

Significant Players

Genetic Resources

Fast Excellent Resistant Good Good 2nd 640 89 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Research Needs

Findings

Conclusions