Abstract
SYNOPSIS This paper provides an updated review of the applied clonal programme in Mondi Forests for the production of high yield and quality Eucalyptus fibre for the Mondi Group's 450 000 tonne pulp and liner board mill. Brief mention is also made of applied research being undertaken to clone Pinus patula and promising pine hybrids for operational plantings. While capitalising on clonal material for operational plantings, the programme is based on sound genetic principles to ensure continued genetic variation, improvement and benefits in advanced generations. Many of the pitfalls and problems encountered in an applied programme are described as well as the benefits derived through being able to select for product uniformity, adaptation to a variety of growing sites and climatic conditions, disease resistance and drought tolerance. The advantages of the clonal option are being highlighted under the current and extended drought, where many trees in seedling plantations are dying from stress and an increasing incidence of diseases. The programme emphasises the importance of selecting clones with desirable wood properties to ensure uniform high-quality pulp. This is critical in an increasingly competitive world market where quality and consistency will ensure a sustained demand at competitive prices.
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