Ramakrishna Hegde , Mohan Varghese , S. Padmini , R. S. C. Jayaraj

Abstract

Acacia mangium and A. auriculiformis are two species of Australian Acacias widely planted as exotics in humid tropical climates. Early introductions of A. auriculiformis to India resulted a land race of poor form. New seedlots of both the species were obtained from native collections of Australia and Papua New Guinea as well as from established Seedling Seed Orchards. These collections were compared with earlier introductions for seed and seedling characteristics and early performance in the field A. auriculiformis had larger and heavier seed and more seedling biomass than A. mangium but the species did not differ in the shape of seed. The Oriomo seedlots ofPNG are reported to perform well in moist areas and the same trend was seen in early growth performance in the present location which receives an annual rainfall of 1500mm. The study has to be continued to identify suitable seedlots for the region.

Full Text

     

Mohan Varghese , A. Nicodemus , K. Subramanian

Abstract

Acacia auriculiformis is one of the Australian Acacia species introduced in India for afforesting degraded lands, meeting fuelwood needs and as avenue trees. This species has been raised in the Western Ghats areas of Maharashtra and found to be very successful. Efforts were made to introduce A. mangium and A. crassicarpa by procuring seeds from Australia and Thailand. Growth performance and wood characteristics were studied in A. mangium, A. auriculiformis and A. crassicarpa planted in Thane District of Maharashtra. A. mangium had better growth than A. auriculiformis and A. crassicarpa. A. auriculiformis had higher wood density and phyllode index than the other species and A. Crassicarpa had long fibres and vessel elements. Since A. Mangium is being increasingly planted in tropical countries, multi-locational trials need to be raised in high rainfall areas in India to select the best performing seedlots.

Full Text