Selection and Breeding of 'Eucalyptus radiata' subsp. 'radiata' to Improve the Economics of Essential Oil Production

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated that 'Eucalyptus radiata' Sieb. ex DC subsp. 'radiata' has the potential to produce a high quality medicinal oil commanding a premium price over other species in a niche market. This study has two aims: (1) to assess the potential gain in 'E. radiata' subsp. 'radiata' tree growth and essential oil traits achieved through selection and breeding; and (2) to determine the effect on economic viability of a farm-scale eucalyptus oil enterprise through utilising selected 'E. radiata' subsp. 'radiata' stock and varying a number of key production parameters. The work is based on a 38-month-old provenance/progeny trial of 32 open-pollinated families from four south-eastern NSW provenances, at Brogo in southern New South Wales. Tree growth and essential oil traits were assessed. Heritability and genetic correlation of traits were determined, and estimations of gain in the key traits of leaf oil concentration, tree basal area and 1,8-cineole content through selection were calculated. A breeding strategy was proposed.