Appraisal of Species and Provenances Trial of Tropical Pines in Karnataka

Due to inadequate and diminishing supply of bamboo. the only source oflongfibred wood. Pines with long fibres are invaluable to meet the growing needs ofthe paper industry. Tropical Pines are fast growing with better adaptability and higher productivity. The performance of Tropical Pines varies with species. provenances. climatic and site conditions. Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis. 13 Hand 4 H provenances from Queensland. Australia have been found to be best adapted and potentially most productive seed sources. Pinus oocarpa represented only by one provenance showed satisfactory rate of growth. Pinus kesiya also exhibited satisfactory growth but prevailing climatic conditions slow down/prevent it's further expansion. Prior to large scale investment in industrial plantations with Tropical Pines. it is necessary to lay-out site specific trials to find out their adaptability. suitability and productivity.