Interspecific hybrids in Zimbabwe: status review and future challenges

Abstract

Several F₁ eucalypt and pine interspecific hybrids have been tested in Zimbabwe. The first hybrids tests were of pine species, and these were established in 1973. The results from these early tests were not spectacular and interest in hybrids was lost until the 1990's when impressive eucalypt and pine hybrid performances were reported in South Mrica and Australia, respectively. During the period 1990-1993pine hybrids were imported fromAustralia and eucalypt hybrids fromSouth Africa,and tested on various sites around Zimbabwe. Detailed analyses in 1999/2000 showed that many ofthe tested hybrids outperformed the pure species on specificsites. The reports based on these analyses highlighted the need to test local hybrids, the need to determine woodqualities and the need to determine cost-effective methods to massproduce the most promising hybrids. Currently, local pine and eucalypt hybrids are being developed for field-testing. These developments and further research needed to realise the full economicpotential of hybrids are discussed.