'Pinus pinaster' and 'Pinus radiata' survival, growth and form on 500-800 mm rainfall sites in southern NSW

Abstract

'Pinus radiata' (GF27- and Guadalupe-based intraspecific hybrids) and 'Pinus pinaster' were trialled to examine the potential for commercial deployment on three lower-rainfall sites within the 500-800 mm rainfall zone of New South Wales. All three ex-pasture sites were considered to be dry for 'P. radiata'; two lower-elevation sites to the west of Gundagai being more challenging than a high-elevation site near Bombala. Cuttings and seedlings of genetically improved 'P. pinaster' and 'P. radiata' and a Guadalupe x routine cross seedlot of 'P. radiata' were planted at three stockings (625, 1250 and 1850 stems per hectare (sph)) and were assessed for survival, growth (diameter at breast height, height, volume), form (straightness, malformations, branch size, branch angle) and number of commercially acceptable trees per hectare up to age 8 years.