The Forestry Development Trust (FDT) is working with several members of the Tree Improvement Research Working Group including Department of Ecosystems and Conservation (DEC), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) to trial new species and hybrids of Eucalyptus, Pine, Corymbia and Casuarina across different sites in Tanzania. This will allow us to see which potential trees perform best in the various agro-climatic conditions, while giving growers a clearer idea of their potential returns should they invest in different species or hybrids. Click here to download a table showing what is being trialled where.
During the 2016-2017 planting season, additional species and clonal hybrid trials were established, including a broader selection of genetic material and covering lower altitude, drier sites. Collectively the trials now represent >110 types species and clonal hybrids (with many sourced from multiple locations) on 14 sites ranging in altitude from 200-2400 m, making them an advanced portfolio in East Africa in terms of species diversity and ecological representation.
This report presents the first round of survival and growth measurements after 15 months for 4 species and clonal trial sites established in 2014/2015 established with partners. They are located at Tanwat (Njombe), Lwangu (Njombe-Kifanya highway), Uchindile (Green Resources Limited) and Kisolanza Farm (Mafinga-Iringa highway), thus falling broadly under warm temperate and sub-tropical zones. Each site has 3 blocks of trials namely Eucalyptus clonal hybrid, Eucalyptus pure species and pine species trials.
This report presents the first round of survival and growth measurements after 15 months for 4 species and clonal trial sites established in 2014/2015 established with partners.
Breeding populations of the two flagship species, Pinus patula and Eucalyptus grandis, were also established with Tanzania Forestry Services Agency during 2016-2017. FDT plans to establish seedling seed orchards during 2017-2018.
Summary of species and clonal hybrid trials established by FDT with Tree Improvement Research Working Group, May 2017
