Genetic variation for rooting, growth, frost hardiness and wood, fiber and pulping properties in Florida-grown Eucalyptus amplifolia

Variability in clonal rooting, clonal and seedling growth and frost-tolerance, and wood properties was noted in a 1st-generation E. amplifolia genetic base population in Florida. Rooting success averaged only 40% but varied considerably among 84 cloning candidates. Their growth in clonal tests also varied, while many new introductions grew as well as the best of previous accessions in addition to providing comparable or better frost tolerance. Variability among and within families was significant for frost tolerance. Artificial freeze testing procedures hold promise for screening accessions and identifying frost-tolerant individuals. Wood specific gravity (SG) and moisture content (MC), pulp yield and viscosity, and other important fiber and paper characteristics varied among- and within-provenances. Compared to sweetgum, E. amplifolia was lower in SG, pulp yield, and sheet strength but less consumptive of energy and chemicals for bleaching to similar brightness; and higher in smoothness and opacity for writing grade papers. Keywords: Provenances, progenies, clones, Australia, pulp and paper.

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Author(s): Donald L. Rockwood, Ronald J. Dinus, J. M. Kramer, Thom J. McDonough, C. A. Raymond, J. V. Owen, J. T. DeValerio

Publication: Tree Improvement and Genetics - Southern Forest Tree Improvement Conference - 1993

Section: Concurrent Session 2: Harwood Genetics and Propagation