First hybrid tree clones introduced in Uganda
Oct 13, 2003
THE first hybrid tree clones have been introduced in Uganda by the Forestry Resources Research Institute (FORRI) based at Kifu in Mukono.
THE first hybrid tree clones have been introduced in Uganda by the Forestry Resources Research Institute (FORRI) based at Kifu in Mukono.
The Eucalyptus trees (kalitunsi) named gc, gu and gt are a hybrid of different species.
Eucalyptus trees from Australia have been grown in the country for over 70 years. The species include cameldulensis, tereticornis, grandis and urophylla.
“These species are used in hybrid clonal production. Grandis and cameldulensis produce gc. Gt is a hybrid of grandis and tereticornis.
Grandis and urophylla create gu,†says Moses Basoga, a technician at the institute.
Grandis is a fast growing tree but it is not resistant to drought. Cameldulensis and tereticornis grow slowly. However, they are drought resistant.
During cross fertilisation, Grandis imparts fast growth characteristics to the new variety. Other species impart their good characteristics such as resistance to drought or cold.
“The clones are fast growing and resistant to drought,†says Dr. Epila Otara, the program leader, Tree Biotechnology Project.
“Other advantages include optimum moisture utilisation, uniform growth and reduced harvesting costs.â€
Clones are produced without fertilisation from a single plant, thus genes of the clones are got from that plant.
Unlike the old species which take between three and 30 years to mature, clones take between two and six years.
“Two-year-old clones are suitable for firewood, three-yea-olds for building poles. Four-year clones are ready for telephone poles and six year clones are suitable for electricity poles, timber and charcoal products,†Basoga says.
Eucalyptus trees have various uses such as essential oil, medicines, plywood, pulp, bee forage and veneer. The main danger to the trees is termites.
Pesticides can kill them.
The clones are a result of one year’s effort by researchers at FORRI. The institute conducts research in forestry ranging from forest management to plant genetic resources. The clones were imported from Mondi Forests Limited in South Africa, for site matching last year.
“Site matching means growing the plants in different areas to find out how they respond to different conditions,†explains Basoga.
In January last year, arrangements for trials were initiated. Five months later, demonstration plots were established in five districts; Mukono, Soroti, Lira, Arua and Mayuge. The clones are thriving in all the districts. Soon seedlings will be distributed to farmers.
“Most of the forests have been severely depleted,†observes Basoga. There is need for fast growing and drought resistant varieties to replenish soil fertility so as to discourage people from encroaching on the dwindling forests.â€
According to Basoga, the old species has undergone “natural hybridisation.â€
The Eucalyptus trees (kalitunsi) named gc, gu and gt are a hybrid of different species.
Eucalyptus trees from Australia have been grown in the country for over 70 years. The species include cameldulensis, tereticornis, grandis and urophylla.
“These species are used in hybrid clonal production. Grandis and cameldulensis produce gc. Gt is a hybrid of grandis and tereticornis.
Grandis and urophylla create gu,†says Moses Basoga, a technician at the institute.
Grandis is a fast growing tree but it is not resistant to drought. Cameldulensis and tereticornis grow slowly. However, they are drought resistant.
During cross fertilisation, Grandis imparts fast growth characteristics to the new variety. Other species impart their good characteristics such as resistance to drought or cold.
“The clones are fast growing and resistant to drought,†says Dr. Epila Otara, the program leader, Tree Biotechnology Project.
“Other advantages include optimum moisture utilisation, uniform growth and reduced harvesting costs.â€
Clones are produced without fertilisation from a single plant, thus genes of the clones are got from that plant.
Unlike the old species which take between three and 30 years to mature, clones take between two and six years.
“Two-year-old clones are suitable for firewood, three-yea-olds for building poles. Four-year clones are ready for telephone poles and six year clones are suitable for electricity poles, timber and charcoal products,†Basoga says.
Eucalyptus trees have various uses such as essential oil, medicines, plywood, pulp, bee forage and veneer. The main danger to the trees is termites.
Pesticides can kill them.
The clones are a result of one year’s effort by researchers at FORRI. The institute conducts research in forestry ranging from forest management to plant genetic resources. The clones were imported from Mondi Forests Limited in South Africa, for site matching last year.
“Site matching means growing the plants in different areas to find out how they respond to different conditions,†explains Basoga.
In January last year, arrangements for trials were initiated. Five months later, demonstration plots were established in five districts; Mukono, Soroti, Lira, Arua and Mayuge. The clones are thriving in all the districts. Soon seedlings will be distributed to farmers.
“Most of the forests have been severely depleted,†observes Basoga. There is need for fast growing and drought resistant varieties to replenish soil fertility so as to discourage people from encroaching on the dwindling forests.â€
According to Basoga, the old species has undergone “natural hybridisation.â€