Eucalypt Planting in Thailand

摘要

Eucalypts are of considerable economic importance in Thailand. An estimated 480,000 ha of plantations, mainly Eucalyptus camaldulensis, have been established for production of woodchips, poles, sawn timber for general construction, and fuelwood. Over 200,000 ha have been established during the last decade. Current annual planting is 40,000 ha, mainly by private companies and a large number of small farmers. Rotations are 4-5 years and harvests from these plantations are mostly for the pulp and paper industry. Clonal plantations from selected trees are commonly used for industrial plantations, for high productivity and uniform growth. Many eucalypt plantations are variable in growth and stem form, with those planted using unimproved seed being poor. Some clones are more susceptible to fungal diseases. A breeding plan for E. camaldulensis in Thailand was developed with international support in 1991, and many progeny trials and seedling seed orchards of E. camaldulensis and E. urophylla have been established. Hybrid breeding of eucalypts is now under way for selection of disease-resistant clones and adaptability to a wide range of environments.