Risks affecting breeding objectives for radiata pine in Australia

Managing drought-induced mortality in Pinus radiata plantations under climate change conditions: A local approach using digital camera data

“…Secondly, avoid establishing P. radiata on sites known to have poor water holding capacity or low site quality (e.g. having a stand MTH at age 10 < 14 m), alternatively plant drought-tolerant genotypes on these sites (Ivković et al, 2010). Most importantly, maintain the recommended thinning schedule, i.e.…”

“…Based on the results of this empirical study, and if compartments in southern NSW continue to be planted to 1000 stems per ha, we provide the follow recommendations aimed at preventing the risk of P. radiata plantations suffering drought-induced mortality under climate conditions predicted for the next 30-70 years (CSIRO and Australian Bureau of Meteorology, 2007;Battaglia et al, 2009). Firstly avoid establishing plantations on sites having a mean elevation below 600 m or establish these sites with drought-tolerant genotypes (Ivković et al, 2010). Secondly, avoid establishing P. radiata on sites known to have poor water holding capacity or low site quality (e.g.…”

“…Green Hills SF has an annual rainfall of approximately 1175 ± 304 mm (mean ± SD) while the northern Buccleuch area is slightly drier, receiving 997 ± 255 mm (Australian Bureau of Meteorology) and hence both areas have traditionally recorded a mean annual rainfall above the 650-700 mm threshold considered limiting for P. radiata growth (Ivković et al, 2010). The region, however, received below average annual rainfall for years 2001-2005 and then in 2006, there was a severe drought, resulting in Green Hills SF receiving only 408 mm during that year.…”