EFFECT OF LOW WINTER TEMPERATURES IN THE AREA OF THESSALONIKI ON TWENTY ONE EUCALYPTUS VARIETIES

摘要

The growth and development of the Eucalyptus trees are depended on the soil and the climate conditions. To study the effect of low winter temperatures of the area of Thessaloniki on the Eucalyptus, an experiment has been carried out in the Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki (ATEITh) during the period of 2007-2008. Seeds of 21 Eucalyptus varieties were sown in the greenhouse of ATEITh in trays containing substrate of peat and perlite (1:1) covered with a thin layer of vermiculite. After the development of sufficient root system, the plants were transplanted into 3-litre plastic bags. When plants reached 40-cm average height, in June 2008, they were planted in the field. During the period from October 2008 to April 2009, temperatures were recorded 6 times daily. It was found that low winter temperatures in the area of Thessaloniki had a significant effect on some of the Eucalyptus varieties. Some plants were frozen, while some were strongly stressed, then finally recovered and grew new shoots in the beginning of April. A number of varieties were tolerant to winter conditions of Thessaloniki and can be recommended for cultivation in the area.