Susceptibility of Corymbia species and hybrids to arthropod herbivory inAustralian subtropical hardwood plantations

Corymbia hybrids are becoming significant plantation varieties in subtropical and tropical Australian plantation forestry. Although primarily developed for disease resistance and amenability to clonal propagation, they have also proven to have good growth rates and site plasticity. Here we examined the susceptibility of pure Corymbia species and hybrids to pest attack. Three trial sites containing C. citriodora subsp. variegata, C. torelliana, and the hybrids C. torelliana × C. citriodora subsp. variegata, C. torelliana × C. citriodora subsp. citriodora and C. torelliana × C. henryi were assessed for pest identity, incidence and severity. Pests caused about three-quarters of the visible crown damage to trees in these trials. At the site that had the most arthropod damage, hybrid trees had higher damage scores and higher growth scores (height, diameter at breast height over bark, and volume) than pure species. Site was more important than taxon in explaining damage scores, and taxa performed differently for most traits between sites. Tree growth was negatively correlated with general crown damage, while arthropod damage alone showed no significant relationship with growth. Our results highlight the importance of establishing taxa trials across a range of sites when selecting for pest resistance.     

Reciprocal and advanced generation hybrids between Corymbia citriodora and C. torelliana: forestry breeding and the risk of gene flow

? Context

Corymbia F1 hybrids have high potential for plantation forestry; however, little is known of their reproductive biology and potential for genetic pollution of native Corymbia populations.

? Aims

This study aims to quantify the influence of reproductive isolating barriers on the success of novel reciprocal and advanced generation Corymbia hybrids.

? Methods

Two maternal taxa, Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora and Corymbia torelliana, were pollinated using five paternal taxa, C. citriodora subsp. citriodora, C. torelliana, one C. torelliana × C. citriodora subsp. citriodora hybrid and two C. torelliana × C. citriodora subsp. variegata hybrids. Pollen tube, embryo and seed development were assessed.

? Results

Reciprocal hybridisation between C. citriodora subsp. citriodora and C. torelliana was successful. Advanced generation hybrids were also created when C. citriodora subsp. citriodora or C. torelliana females were backcrossed with F1 hybrid taxa. Prezygotic reproductive isolation was identified via reduced pollen tube numbers in the style and reduced numbers of ovules penetrated by pollen tubes. Reproductive isolation was weakest within the C. citriodora subsp. citriodora maternal taxon, with two hybrid backcrosses producing equivalent capsule and seed yields to the intraspecific cross.

? Conclusions

High hybridising potential was identified between all Corymbia species and F1 taxa studied. This provides opportunities for advanced generation hybrid breeding, allowing desirable traits to be amplified. It also indicates risks of gene flow between plantation and native Corymbia populations.     

Alternative pine hybrids and species to Pinus patula and P. radiata in South Africa and Swaziland

Through the collaborative efforts of companies affiliated with the International Program for Tree Improvement and Conservation (Camcore), a number of pine hybrids have been produced over the last decade. Many of these have been planted in trials across southern Africa that broadly represent winter and summer rainfall areas, with the latter ranging from warm to cold temperate sites. The five-year survival and growth of the hybrids and other pines in 12 of these trials were compared with Pinus radiata in the winter rainfall, and P. patula in the summer rainfall, regions where these species have been planted extensively. Except for the highest altitude site, where freezing conditions are common, the survival of most hybrids and tropical pines was better than P. patula or P. radiata. This was, in part, attributed to their improved tolerance to the pitch canker fungus, Fusarium circinatum, which was present in the nursery at the time of planting. In the winter rainfall area, the P. elliottii × P. caribaea hybrid, P. maximinoi and, surprisingly, the P. patula hybrids performed well. In the summer rainfall regions, hybrids with tropical parents such as P. caribaea, P. oocarpa and P. tecunumanii were more productive in the subtropical/warm temperate zone and, with increasing elevation, those hybrids crossed with P. patula performed relatively better. The P. patula × P. tecunumanii hybrid, particularly when crossed with low-elevation P. tecunumanii, performed exceptionally across most sites.     

Modelling growth behaviour in monoculture in subtropical eastern Australia of two eucalypt species that differ in shade tolerance

Growth behaviour of the relatively shade-intolerant species Eucalyptus dunnii and the rather more shade-tolerant Corymbia citriodora was considered during several growth periods over 8–14 years of age in experimental plantation monoculture in subtropical New South Wales. Larger trees dominated growth in any stand; this was consistent with the principle that inter-tree competition in such forests is for light and is asymmetric in that larger trees shade smaller trees but the reverse does not occur. Once competition was established, competition-induced mortality of C. citriodora was less than that of E. dunnii. A model relating tree diameter growth rate to tree diameter, competitive position in the stand and stand basal area was developed. The model showed that smaller, hence partially shaded, trees in stands of C. citriodora were better able to maintain their growth rates than equivalent trees in stands of E. dunnii. It is hypothesised that this reflects the greater shade tolerance of C. citriodora. This pattern of growth led to a more even distribution of tree size classes across the stand in the more shade-tolerant species.     

Difference in shade tolerance affects foliage–sapwood response to thinning by two eucalypts

In eucalypt plantations in subtropical Australia, Eucalyptus dunnii exhibits greater diameter increment after thinning than more shade-tolerant Corymbia citriodora. To elucidate the mechanism underlying this difference, we investigated relationships between tree leaf area and sapwood area following thinning in 11-year-old E. dunnii and C. citriodora plantations. There was no significant difference in specific leaf area (SLA) between thinned and unthinned stands in E. dunnii and C. citriodora, whereas crown zone significantly affected SLA in the two eucalypts. At the whole-tree level non-linear leaf area (A_l)–sapwood area (A_s) relationships were measured in both eucalypts by thinning treatment. A significant increase in A_l/A_s ratio was only observed at the upper crown in thinned E. dunnii. The present results suggested the plastic nature of response of leaf characteristics in both eucalypts grown in different light environments and the species-specific pattern of crown-zone leaf responses to thinning in the two species, i.e. the top of the canopy appears to be driving greater growth response to thinning in the less shade tolerant E. dunnii compared with the more shade-tolerant C. citriodora. It is concluded that different thinning regimes should be applied in shade-tolerant and shade-intolerant eucalypt forests.     

Future outlook for Pinus patula in South Africa in the presence of the pitch canker fungus (Fusarium circinatum)

Approximately 50% of the area planted to softwood trees in South Africa has been established with Pinus patula, making it the most important pine species in the country. More effort has gone into developing this species for improved growth, tree form and wood properties than with any other species. This substantial investment has been threatened in the last 10 years by the pitch canker fungus, Fusarium circinatum. The fungus infects and contaminates nursery plants and, once transferred to the field, causes severe mortality of young trees in the first year after establishment. Although nurserymen have some control of the disease, it is recognised that the best long-term solution to mitigate damage because of F. circinatum infection is to identify tolerant species, clones and hybrids for deployment in plantations in the future. Research has shown that alternative species such as P. tecunumanii, P. maximinoi and P. elliottii are suitable for warm sites. Pine hybrids, particularly between P. patula and the high-elevation sources of P. tecunumanii, appear to be a suitable replacement on subtemperate and temperate sites. Although these alternative species and hybrids are more sensitive to subfreezing temperatures than P. patula, their planting range can be increased by including cold tolerance as a selection criterion. Future breeding efforts will most certainly focus on improving the tolerance of pure P. patula to F. circinatum, which can be achieved by identifying specific family crosses and tolerant clones. The commercial deployment of disease-tolerant control-pollinated P. patula and hybrid families will most likely be established as rooted cuttings, which requires more advanced propagation technology. In the long term, new seed orchards comprised of P. patula clones tolerant to F. circinatum could be used to produce seed for seedling production.     

Screening of Corymbia and Eucalyptus species for resistance to Calonectria pteridis leaf blight

Calonectria leaf blight (CLB), caused by Calonectria pteridis, is a major foliar disease of eucalypt plantations in warm and high rainfall regions in Brazil. The use of resistant genotypes is the best method for disease control in the field, so identification of sources of resistance is strategic for the long‐term genetic breeding programmes of eucalypt. In this study, resistance of 13 species of Eucalyptus and 3 species of Corymbia to CLB was evaluated by spray inoculation of a spore suspension (1 × 10⁴ conidia ml^?1) of the pathogen, under controlled conditions. Eucalyptus brassiana, E. saligna, E. scias and E. agglomerata were the most resistant, while E. robusta, E. urophylla, E. camaldulensis, E. longirostrata and C. toreliana were moderately resistant and E. cloeziana, E. pellita, E. tereticornis, E. pilularis, C. maculata, E. grandis, E. dunnii and C. citriodora were the most susceptible. The broad inter and intraspecific variability of the species tested demonstrates the potential for introgression of resistance genes into valuable genotypes as a strategy for the breeding programmes and commercial plantation of eucalypt.     

Eucalyptus benthamii Maiden et Cambage growth and wood density in integrated crop-livestock systems

Integrating trees in agricultural landscapes is a promising option to sustainably provide goods for society while increasing biodiversity, securing animal welfare, and generating profits for stakeholders. The choice of the species and knowing how timber quality is affected when trees are integrated to crop and/or livestock enterprises can provide additional insights into the usefulness of timber after harvest, and wood density is one of the most important properties in this regard. The present study aimed to evaluate how Eucalyptus benthamii growth and wood density are affected in integrated crop-livestock systems when compared to monoculture forestry 74 months after planting in subtropical environments. The integrated systems were in an alley cropping design where crop and/or grazed pasture were temporally rotated in between tree lines (14?×?2 m trees spacing), and those systems were compared to monoculture forestry (3?×?2 m spacing). Tree trunks (n?=?60) were sampled in five diameter classes of each treatment by cutting disks in six positions of the trunk (0.1 m, 1.30 m, 25%, 50%, 75% and 90% of the total height) (n?=?360). Trees growing in integrated systems increased trunk diameter at breast height by 24.7%, increased wood fiber production per tree by 17.9%, and produced wood 9.0% less dense than in the monoculture forestry system. Monoculture forestry increased tree height, and there was no difference of trunk volume among the production systems. The results suggest that integrated systems can produce timber with lower wood density, but faster individual tree growth than in forestry monocultures. Such a system can promote sustainable intensification of agricultural production, and enhance provision of complementary ecosystem services.

     

Growth potential of Eucalyptus cypellocarpa as an alternative species for the mid-altitude summer rainfall region of South Africa

Eucalyptus grandis is predominantly cultivated in the humid, warmer temperate, subtropical regions in South Africa for pulp and paper production because of its rapid growth and desirable wood properties. With forestry expanding into mid-altitude drier and warmer, or drier and colder sites, the growth of E. grandis has been compromised by unsuitable growing conditions and, therefore, the search to identify reasonably well-performing species/provenances for such sites has extended to summer rainfall provenances of E. cypellocarpa for pulp and paper production. Seed collected from New South Wales, Australia, comprising provenances from Hanging Rock, Nullo Mountain, Wingello State Forests and Kaputar Mountain National Park was established in provenance/progeny trials on three sites in South Africa (Windy Gap, Petrusvlei and Speenkoppies). Trials were planted at 1 667 stems ha^?1, in single-row plots of six trees, with four replications in one balanced and two unbalanced lattice designs. Commercial seed of other eucalypts and clones was used as controls. Diameter at breast height and height were measured at 96 months at Windy Gap, and 72 months at both Petrusvlei and Speenkoppies. Basal areas and volumes were derived from these measurements. There were distinct family and provenance differences for growth at the different sites, with the Hanging Rock provenance generally performing well across all sites. A genotype × environment interaction was present between two sites, as indicated by low Type B correlations of 0.47 and 0.53 for basal area and volume, respectively. This indicated that different populations of E. cypellocarpa should be developed for the cold and warm sites.     

Characterization of viscoelastic,shrinkage and transverse anatomy properties of four Australian hardwood species

Abstract

Several key wood properties of four Australian hardwood species: Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus pilularis, Eucalyptus marginata and Eucalyptus obliqua, were characterized using state-of-the-art equipment at AgroParisTech, ENGREF, France. The wood properties were measured for input into microscopic (cellular level) and macroscopic (board level) vacuum-drying models currently under development. Morphological characterization was completed using a combination of environmental scanning electron microscopy and image analysis software. A clear difference in fibre porosity, size, wall thickness and orientation was evident between species. Viscoelastic properties were measured in the tangential and radial directions using dynamic mechanical analysis instrumentation. The glass transition temperature was markedly different for each species owing to anatomical and chemical variations. The radial direction showed higher stiffness, internal friction and glass transition temperature than the tangential direction. A highly sensitive microbalance and laser technology were used to measure loss of moisture content in conjunction with directional shrinkage on microsamples. Collapse shrinkage was clearly evident with this method for E. obliqua, but not with other species, consistent with industrial seasoning experience. To characterize the wood–water relations of E. obliqua, free of collapse, thinner sample sections (in the radial–tangential plane) are recommended.     

试论世界桉树栽培现状和我国桉树人工林发展策略

桉树是世界上热带、亚热带地区最重要的人工林树种之一,其面积已超过600万ha。文中着重介绍了巴西发展按树的经验,并提出了我国应采取的对策。     

Diseases of eucalypts in the central and northern provinces of Mozambique

In the mid-1970s, Mozambique embarked on several forestry projects to promote and establish large plantation areas with eucalypt trees. The planted species included Corymbia citriodora, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. saligna and E. tereticornis. Similar to other regions of the world, pests and pathogens pose a significant threat to eucalypt plantations in Mozambique, but little is known regarding the diseases of trees in the country. The aim of this study was to provide the first detailed consideration of the possible disease problems affecting plantation- grown eucalypt species in the central and northern provinces of Mozambique. Isolates of fungal pathogens were obtained from material displaying disease symptoms collected during two field surveys conducted in 2010 and 2011. Representative fungal isolates were identified using DNA sequence data. Stem canker diseases caused by fungi in the Botryosphaeriaceae, Cryphonectriaceae and Teratosphaeriaceae, as well as leaf spots caused by species of Calonectria, Pilidiella, Pilidium and Phakopsora myrtacearum were commonly encountered. Their relative importance to the future of planation forestry in Mozambique is discussed.     

The bionomics of whitegrub species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) affecting commercial forestry re-establishment in representative areas of the South African summer-rainfall region

South African commercial forestry plants mainly Eucalyptus, Pinus and Acacia species. Invertebrate pests play a significant role in the establishment phase of these exotic trees. Whitegrubs, in particular, are known to affect seedling survival during this period. Their pest status and community structure patterns associated with slash and weed management regimes were recently reported for Acacia mearnsii in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. We tested whether the effects of these regimes were congruent over a wider region (the South African summer-rainfall forestry area), including whitegrubs found on Eucalyptus and Pinus species, or if there were other possible factors that better explained the patterns of assembly. Seventeen trials were established in the KZN and Mpumalanga (MP) provinces from which whitegrubs were collected once a month for a period of one year. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine whitegrub prevalence, distribution, pest ranking and community structure patterns. Sixteen whitegrub morphospecies were found of which Maladera sp. 3, Pegylis sommeri, Schizonycha affinis, Maladera sp. 2, Adoretus ictericus, Maladera sp. 1, and the unknown M8, M12 and M14 had a high pest status with an accumulative prevalence of ～99%. Maladera sp. 3 was the most prevalent and widespread species. It was also the most important species attacking E. grandis and P. patula, whereas P. sommeri and S. affinis were the most important whitegrubs on A. mearnsii. Clustering analyses showed two spatial (regional [2× clusters] and locality [10×]) and one silvicultural (slash and weed management [9×]) patterns of whitegrub assembly. As expected, the slash and weed management clustered the whitegrub communities in the forestry area. However, the two regional clusters (KZN-Midlands, MP-South and KZN-Coastal) were preferred because they visually represented the whitegrub community distribution with a listing of high-status whitegrub species. This was meaningful enough to suggest the possible implementation of site-specific and practical control strategies.     

Carbon balance for different management practices for fast growing tree species planted on former pastureland in southern Europe: a case study using the CO2Fix model

Although it is known that forestry mitigates carbon emissions to some degree, there is still a need to investigate the extent to which changes in forest management regimes affect the carbon cycle. In a climate-change scenario, forest management schemes must be optimized to maximize product supply and minimize environmental impacts. It is difficult to predict the mitigating effects of different silvicultural regimes because of differences in the growth characteristics of each species, destination of products, and industrial efficiencies. The objective of the present study was to use a modeling approach to evaluate the effects of different management regimes for fast growing species in southern temperate Europe in relation to mitigating climate change. A comprehensive study was carried out considering the C sink effect in biomass, soil and wood products, the substitutive effect of bioenergy, and particular conditions of the forest industry in southern Europe. The mechanistic CO₂Fix model was parameterized for three species used in fast growing plantations in southern Europe: Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus nitens, and Pinus radiata. Data from 120 plots covering the complete age range observed for each species were used to calculate changes in C stocks in aboveground biomass and organic and mineral soil and to validate the parameterized model for these conditions. Additional information about the efficiency of forest industry processes in the region was also considered. A strong bias in soil organic carbon estimation was observed and attributed to overestimations in the decomposition rates of soil compartments. Slight bias was also observed in the carbon biomass estimation when forest-specific yield models were used to simulate afforestation over former pastureland. As regards the model sensitivity, the Yasso model was strongly robust to turnover of leaves, roots, and branches. The chip wood production alternative yielded higher carbon stock in biomass and products, as well as in bioenergy substitution effect, than the sawn wood production alternative. Nevertheless, the sawn wood alternative was the most effective as regards the C stock in the soil. Site index had an important effect for all species, alternatives, and compartments, and mitigating effects increased with site index. Harvesting of clearcutting and thinning slash for bioenergy use led to a slight decrease in the soil carbon equilibrium but significantly increased the mitigation effect through bioenergy use.     

Genetic variation in growth and wood-quality traits of Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata across three sites in south-east Queensland,Australia

Ten growth or wood-quality traits were assessed in three nearby Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata (CCV) open-pollinated family-within-provenance trials (18 provenances represented by a total of 374 families) to provide information for the development of a breeding program targeting both pulp and solid-wood products. Growth traits (diameter at breast high over bark [DBH], height and conical volume) were assessed at 3 and 7 years of age. Wood-quality traits (density [DEN], Kraft pulp yield [KPY], modulus of elasticity [MoE] and microfibril angle [MfA]) were predicted using near-infrared spectroscopy on wood samples collected from these trials when aged between 10 and 12 years. The high average KPY, DEN and MoE, and low average MfA observed indicates CCV is very suitable for both pulp and timber products. All traits were under moderate to strong genetic control. In across- trials analyses, high (>0.4) heritability estimates were observed for height, DEN, MoE and MfA, while moderate heritability estimates (0.24 to 0.34) were observed for DBH, volume and KPY. Most traits showed very low levels of genotype × site interaction. Estimated age–age genetic correlations for growth traits were strong at both the family (0.97) and provenance (0.99) levels. Relationships among traits (additive genetic correlation estimates) were favourable, with strong and positive estimates between growth traits (0.84 to 0.98), moderate and positive values between growth and wood-quality traits (0.32 to 0.68), moderate and positive between KPY and MoE (0.64), and high and positive between DEN and MoE (0.82). However, negative (but favourable) correlations were detected between MfA and all other evaluated traits (?0.31 to ?0.96). The genetic correlation between the same trait expressed on two different sites, at family level, ranged from 0.24 to 0.42 for growth traits, and from 0.29 to 0.53 for wood traits. Therefore simultaneous genetic improvement of growth and wood property traits in CCV for the target environment in south-east Queensland should be possible, given the moderate to high estimates of heritability and favourable correlations amongst all traits studied, unless genotype × site interactions are greater than was evident.     

Effects of high temperature kiln drying on the practical performances of Japanese cedar wood (Cryptomeria japonica) I: changes in hygroscopicity due to heating

The effect of heating on the hygroscopicity of Japanese cedar wood was investigated as a simple evaluation of thermal degradation in large-dimension timber being kiln-dried at high temperatures (>100°C). Small wood pieces were heated at 120°C in the absence of moisture (dry heating) and steamed at 60°, 90°, and 120°C with saturated water vapor over 2 weeks, and their equilibrium moisture contents (M) at 20°C and 60% relative humidity (RH) were compared with those of unheated samples. No significant change was induced by steaming at 60°C, while heating above 90°C caused loss in weight (WL) and reduction in M of wood. The effects of steaming were greater than those of dry heating at the same heating temperature. After extraction in water, the steamed wood showed additional WL and slight increase in M because of the loss of water-soluble decomposition residue. The M of heated wood decreased with increasing WL, and such a correlation became clearer after the extraction in water. On the basis of experimental correlation, the WL of local parts in large-dimension kiln-dried timber was evaluated from their M values. The results indicated that the thermal degradation of inner parts was greater than that of outer parts.     

Production of cuttings in response to stock plant temperature in the subtropical eucalypts, Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus dunnii

Propagation of subtropical eucalypts is often limited by low production of rooted cuttings in winter. This study tested whether changing the temperature of Corymbia citriodora and Eucalyptus dunnii stock plants from 28/23°C (day/night) to 18/13°C, 23/18°C or 33/28°C affected the production of cuttings by stock plants, the concentrations of Ca and other nutrients in cuttings, and the subsequent percentages of cuttings that formed roots. Optimal temperatures for shoot production were 33/28°C and 28/23°C, with lower temperatures reducing the number of harvested cuttings. Stock plant temperature regulated production of rooted cuttings, firstly by controlling shoot production and, secondly, by affecting the ensuing rooting percentage. Shoot production was the primary factor regulating rooted cutting production by C. citriodora, but both shoot production and root production were key determinants of rooted cutting production in E. dunnii. Effects of lower stock plant temperatures on rooting were not the result of reduced Ca concentration, but consistent relationships were found between adventitious root formation and B concentration. Average rooting percentages were low (1–15% for C. citriodora and 2–22% for E. dunnii) but rooted cutting production per stock plant (e.g. 25 for C. citriodora and 52 for E. dunnii over 14 weeks at 33/28°C) was sufficient to establish clonal field tests for plantation forestry.     

我国不同森林立地带土壤中苏云金芽孢杆菌cry基因资源研究

利用PCR－RFLP鉴定体系和SDS－PAGE表达蛋白的分析方法，分析了来自我国不同森林立地带（寒温带，中温带，暖温带，北亚热带，中亚热带，南亚热带，高原亚热带，热带）自然保护区森林土壤中分离的72株苏云金芽孢杆菌的cry 1，cry 2，cry 3，cry 4，cry 5，cry 8，cry 9，cry 10，cry 11，cry 1I杀虫晶体蛋白基因类型，表达蛋白和杀虫活性的生物测定。研究表明：同时含有cry 1，cry 2，cry 1I3类 有21株菌，6株菌含有cry 1，cry 2类基因，4株菌含有cry 1和cry 1I基因，只含有cry 1基因的1株，cry 2基因的4株，36株菌不含所鉴定的10类基因。同时证明：绝大多数含有cry1基因的菌株表达了130kD蛋白，含有cry2基因的菌株表达了60kD的蛋白。对不同农，林害虫棉铃虫，杨扇舟蛾，舞毒蛾，马尾松毛虫，黄粉甲，榆兰叶甲，落叶松叶蜂等幼虫的杀虫活性进行了生物测定。进一步证明了苏云金芽孢杆菌cry基因，表达蛋白及杀虫活性三者的相关性。为生产和科研提供了生物治虫，抗虫育种的苏云金芽孢杆菌cry基因资源。     

Influence of heating history on dynamic viscoelastic properties and dimensions of dry wood

To obtain new information about the mechanical and physical properties of dry wood in unstable states, the influence of heating history on viscoelastic properties and dimensional changes of dry wood in the radial, tangential, and longitudinal directions was studied between 100° and 200°C. Unstable states of dry wood still existed after heating at 105°C for 30 min and were modified by activated molecular motion in the first heating process to temperatures above 105°C. This phenomenon is thought to be caused by the unstable states reappearing after wetting and drying again. Dry wood components did not completely approach the stable state in the temperature range tested, because they did not entirely surpass the glass transition temperatures in most of the temperature range. In constant temperature processes at 135° and 165°C, E′ increased and E″ decreased with time regardless of the direction. This indicated that the unstable states of dry wood components were gradually modified with time at constant temperatures. On the other hand, anisotropy of dimensional change existed and dimension increased in the longitudinal direction, was unchanged in the radial direction, and decreased in the tangential direction with time at constant temperatures. Part of this report was presented at the 13th Annual Meeting of the Chubu Branch of the Japan Wood Research Society, Shizuoka, August 2003