R & D Priorities for Clonal Eucalyptus Plantations

This paper briefly reviews the excellent progress made in India for development of genetically improved, fast growing and comparatively disease resistant clones of Eucalyptus. Benefits from large scale clonal plantations to farmers, civil society and greening of India are explained. Need for continuous R & D support for clonal plantations programmes is highlighted. Paper highlights R & D priorities for continuous improvements in the genetic qualities of commercial clones and improved package of silvicultural and management practices for clonal plantations. Continuous research and development support is most essential for any large scale commercial clonal plantations programme. There is need for further improvements in silvicultural and scientific management practices as well as replacement of best clones of today with better ones in future on continuous basis. Collaborative research and careful prioritization of research projects will lead to reduction in costs and enhance benefits. Policy constraints hampering growth of clonal plantations on degraded forest lands and agro-forestry plantations on private farm lands need to be addressed. Extension services must be strengthened for taking the research findings from lab to land and maximizing benefits of vast potential of clonal technology for the society and farmers of our country. Poplars are being planted under irrigated conditions in North-western parts of India on a very large scale. Encouraged by the success stories of clonal eucalypts and poplar plantations, R& D work is in progress for development and deployment of superior clones of many important species like Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), Gamhar (Gmelina arborea), Teak (Tectona grandis), Acacia mangium etc. Similar approach and R & D priorities, as discussed for Eucalyptus clones, will be valid for most of the species amenable to vegetative propagation for promotion of large scale high yielding clonal plantations.