Provenance trials of Eucalyptus globulus and related species in Tasmania

Abstract

Summary Two Tasmanian provenance trials of Eucalyptus globulus Labili, and related species of blue gum—E pseudoglobulus Naudin ex Maiden, E. bicostata Maid, et al., and E. maidenii F. Muell.—were analysed for growth, form and survival differences between species and between provenances within species. E globulus and E pseudoglobulus were not significantly different in growth but both were much faster growing than E bicostata and E maidenii which appeared to be poorly adapted to the cool temperate climate of Tasmania. Cross sites analysis did not identify significant consistent variation between provenances within species for height at age 4 years or diameter at age 7 years. Provenance differences were significant when sites were analysed separately although there was little differentiation within E globulus for growth characters. Significant differences were found in survival and form score between species and provenances within species. Implications for future work within this group of species are discussed.