The need for seed
From the Spring 2008 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.
During the past five years, Forests NSW has dramatically increased its requirement for high quality Pinus radiata seed.
Michael Henson, of Forests NSW tree improvement group, said this demand is not easily fulfilled with a worldwide shortage of seed.
A significant component of Forests NSW demand is due to replanting after a fire near Tumut in 2006, in addition to Forests NSW biggest planting season to date with 10500 hectares of radiata pine being established around Tumut, Bathurst, Bombala and Walcha.
“Plus other people are also planting like crazy, with investment-driven forestry influencing demand Australia wide,” Michael said.
The potential for carbon forestry in New Zealand is also putting pressure on supplies.
Michael said 30 years ago, unimproved seed collected from commercial plantation was used, leaving growers little control over the quality of the bought seed.
Today, Forests NSW only uses seed from highly improved seed orchards in Australia and New Zealand.
“We are now able to grow seedlings with improved productivity. We can grow them faster, better (with improved wood properties) and with more security so they are better adapted to the site and more tolerant to disease,” Michael said.
Since 1994, all of Forests NSW seed has been purchased from New Zealand. However, this year seed production has started in seed orchards at Vulcan State Forest near Oberon, NSW. Seed from trees harvested in areas planted with high quality seed is also being collected. Michael said this seed performs as well as New Zealand seed on Forests NSW sites.
Ninety per cent of Forests NSW current radiata pine plantings are from seed-based stock, with the remainder from cuttings of elite genetic material – the result of Forests NSW investment in Radiata Pine Breeding Consortium (RPBC).
Forests NSW, along with RPBC, is funding a two-year project to evaluate Forests NSW own tree improvement program.
“This research, by Southern Cross University, will help Forests NSW developing site specific recommendations to help understand the performance of genetic material across the state,” Michael said.
He said one of early achievements of the research has been the selection of 100 elite trees to form the basis of the next generation of seed orchards.
“Forests NSW is moving toward producing 50 per cent of its own seed by 2016, a target that will help give us security of supply and greater genetic improvement for NSW conditions,” Michael said.
Lifecycle of a seed
When pine trees reach sexual maturity (from 6-12 years), they produce male pollen catkins and female flowers. The female flowers are fertilised by the pollen, mostly blown in the wind. The female flowers develop into pine cones.
More than two years after pollination, the cone dries and opens and the mature seeds are dropped from the tree. Some seeds drop directly below to the forest floor.
Radiata pine seeds have wings attached to help ensure they are well distributed and reduces competition for light, nutrients and water – thereby increasing their chances of survival.
Sarah Chester - Public Affairs & Media, Albury
