Early Species Selection for Tropical Reforestation: A Consideration of Stability

Early Species Selection for Tropical Reforestation: A Consideration of Stability

background

This study describes a screening of timber species planted in abandoned pasture sites to understand the effect of different site conditions on tree growth and to determine the species that grew with the highest variation.

Research Goals & Methods

The author looks at genotype environment to evaluate stability of genotypes and genotypes with the ability to perform consistently in multiple site conditions.

Conclusions & Takeaways

The species that exhibited the greatest effect of site condition on yield (unstable) were Ochroma pyramidale, Gmelina arborea, Terminalia superba, and Acacia mangium. Many of the highest yielding species were also unstable and can be considered site specialists. The author suggests that the most stable species, Vochysia guatemalensis, Jacaranda copaia, and Goethalsia meiantha, might be well suited for reforestation over larger areas with more variable site conditions.

Reference: 

Butterfield RP. Early species selection for tropical reforestation: A consideration of stability. Forest Ecology and Management. 1996;81:161–168. doi:10.1016/0378-1127(95)03649-0.

Affiliation: 

  • Organization for Tropical Studies, Durham, NC, USA