B. K. Mohamed Amanulla , M. N. Jayakumar , R. K. Torvi

Abstract

Acacia species trials in MPM have given rise to open pollinated Acacia hybrids from the cross between Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium. They are found to be well adapted to the hot humid conditions of Western Ghats in Karnataka. Acacia hybrids originated from Acacia mangium mother are designated as Mangi-auriculis and those originated from A. auriculiformis as 'Auriculi-mangis'. The growth performance of Mangi-auriculis is closely monitored since 1992 and the wood analysis has indicated that, the wood is suitable for pulp and paper production. Mass production of Acacia hybrid propagules is done through simple and cheap technology and large-scale clonal plantations are established. The MAI of Acacia hybrid in clonal plantation is 32m³ in 5th year whereas the MAI of Acacia auriculiformis is 16m³ at the end of 8 years. It is predicted that Acacia hybrid clonal plantations can achieve a MAI of 40 to 45m³ at the end of 8 years. Clone × site interaction trials are undertaken in both wet and dry zone to choose sitespecific clones for higher productivity. MPM has drawn future strategies in the field of Tree improvement and Tree breeding to further improve the productivity of plantations. The growth potential of Acacia hybrids and their role in plantation programme are discussed in this paper.

Full Text

     

R. K. Torvi , G. S. Kariyappa , K. M. Satishchandra

Abstract

To determine the optimum spacing that gives maximum production of high est quality pulpwood in the shortest time, a spacing trial was established in Pinus tecunumanii during 1988 using 1 m × 1 m, 2 m × 2 m, 2.5 m × 2.5 m, 3 m × 3 m, 3.5 m × 3.5 m, 4 m × 4 m and 5 m × 5 m spacings. Data collected upto end of 8th year are presented in this paper. Analysis of data indicated that height was not affected by different spacing while Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) was highest at widest spacing and lowest at closest spacing. Further, Height to DBH ratio decreased with increase in spacing indicating a lower Form-Factor at wider spacing. Total Stand Volume per hectare and Mean Annual Volume Increment (Mal) were highest in 1 m × 1 m spacing and decreased with increase in spacing. In 1 m × 1 m spacing there is intense competition between trees which resulted in high mortality and thin trees producing small quantity of pulpwood whose extraction is expensive and uneconomical. In other spacings, trees are distributed in diameter classes that produce pulpwood of desirable size. Considering volume production and distribution of trees in different diameter classes, maximum production of pulpwood is anticipated at 2.5 m × 2.5 m spacing which gives a planting density of 1,600 plants per ha at the rotation period of 12 years.

Full Text

     

R. K. Torvi , G. S. Kariyappa , B. K. Mohamed Amanulla

Abstract

Due to inadequate and diminishing supply of bamboo. the only source oflongfibred wood. Pines with long fibres are invaluable to meet the growing needs ofthe paper industry. Tropical Pines are fast growing with better adaptability and higher productivity. The performance of Tropical Pines varies with species. provenances. climatic and site conditions. Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis. 13 Hand 4 H provenances from Queensland. Australia have been found to be best adapted and potentially most productive seed sources. Pinus oocarpa represented only by one provenance showed satisfactory rate of growth. Pinus kesiya also exhibited satisfactory growth but prevailing climatic conditions slow down/prevent it's further expansion. Prior to large scale investment in industrial plantations with Tropical Pines. it is necessary to lay-out site specific trials to find out their adaptability. suitability and productivity.

Full Text

   

G. S. Kariyappa , B. K. Mohamed Amanulla , R. K. Torvi

Abstract

A nursery trial of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis with 3 pot sizes and 4 dates of sowing was conducted in the year 1992/1993. Results of the trial have indicated that growth parameters viz. shoot length, ischolar_main length and ischolar_main collar diameter etc. varied considerably with different pot sizes and time of sowing. A nursery period of about five months was found optimum for production of a planting stock of 25-30 cm height with pot size of 10 cm × 15 cm.

Full Text