TWO-YEAR PERFORMANCE OF <em>ACACIA</em> AND <em>EUCALYPTUS</em> SPECIES IN A PROVENANCE TRIAL IN LAO P.D.R.

Abstract

A species and provenance trial consisting of four eucalypts (Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. tereticornis, E. pellita and E. urophylla) and four acacias (Acacia aulacocarpa, A. auriculiformis, A. crassicarpa and A. mangium) was established near Vientiane, Lao P.D.R. to screen suitability of species that might be grown commercially in plantations. Each species was represented by 6 - 8 provenances, a total of 55 provenances in all. Results up to two years of age showed considerable differences between species, and between provenances within species. A ranking of the species in order of magnitude based on tree volume was E. camaldulensis, E. urophylla, A. mangium, E. tereticornis, A. crassicarpa, A. aulacocarpa, E. pellita and A. auriculiformis. The results have implications for selection of most potential species and provenances for further detailed investigation. Future studies would desirably include yield estimation involving more sites, larger plots and alternative management regimes.