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This study was conducted to determine growth performance, water use and wood
properties of Eucalypt clones in Tanzania. Eucalypt clones of Eucalyptus grandis x E.
camaldulensis (GC), E. grandis x E. urophylla (GU), E. grandis x E. tereticornis (GT)
growing in Lushoto, Kwamarukanga, Kibaha and Tabora sites were studied. Growth
performance, water use and wood properties data were collected at the age of 8 to 10
years. Data on growth performance were analysed using SAS Software and subjected to
ANOVA using treatment means. Water use data were analysed using sap flow tool
software. Wood properties data were analysed using SAS Software and subjected to
ANOVA using treatment means. Significant clones’ means were separated using
Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Results revealed significant (p<0.05) difference in
survival, Dbh, height, basal area, volume and biomass between clones. Significant
(p<0.05) difference in water use was observed between clones. Results revealed that
GC167, GC15 and GC940 had average water uses of 14, 7 and 5 L day -1 respectively in
wet season and 11, 9 and 8 L day -1 respectively in dry season. Significant (p<0.05)
differences in fibre length, modulus of elasticity and shear strength were observed
between clones from all sites. No significant differences between clones were observed in
wood density, modulus of rupture, compression and cleavage strength. The study
concludes that some Eucalypt clones showed good survival, growth, basal area, volume
and biomass in respective sites. Wood properties for the studied clones meet the
minimum requirements needed for pulp and paper production, fuel wood and for
structural applications. This study recommended the following clones, GC 581, GC 584
and GU 608 for Lushoto, GC 15, GC 167 and GC 940 for Kibaha, GC 514, GT 529 and
GC 940 for Kwamarukanga and GC 15, GC 584 and GC 940 for Tabora site to be
considered for planting in areas with climatic conditions similar to the sites where they
were tested. The clones should be considered as sources of raw material for pulp and
paper production, charcoal, timber for furniture and for structural applications. |
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