A review of past performance and potential suitability of conifers (other than Pinus radiata) for planting in Victoria.  L. A. Pederick.  May 1983.  46 pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

Some arguments are presented for and against the planting of conifer species other than Pinus radiata D.Don (radiata pine) in Victoria as an 'insurance' against the possibility of widespread loss of radiata pine plantations due to disease or insect attack. However, a decision to plant any given species should not be based on the insurance argument, but rather on evidence that the species will grow well and produce timber of a quality and quantity to meet market needs.

The characteristics of, and past experience with 22 species are reviewed. None can match P. radiata in all aspects of growth rate, form, site requirements and wood quality. The species that do produce better timber for certain purposes usually are much more demanding of site conditions and/or have much slower growth rates, and thus are not satisfactory alternatives to P. radiata. Of these, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco (Douglas fir) and Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr. (Sitka spruce) appear to be the most promising.

Douglas fir has grown well on good sites in Victoria and produces structural grade timber that is in demand. But the species is now subject to Phaeocryptopus gaeumanii (Rhode) Petr. (Swiss needle cast disease), the effect of which, in relation to possible cultural treatments and selection, needs to be further evaluated.

Sitka spruce is a species deserving attention. Results from provenance trials indicate that tree growth from Californian seed sources will be much better than has been obtained in past plantings in Victoria.

Pinus muricata Don (bishop pine - blue strain) appears to be the species most likely to achieve growth rates comparable with those of radiata pine, though its best performance will be achieved on sites of about 1000 m or more in altitude. As it is closely related to P. radiata and is likely to be susceptible to the same organisms that attack P. radiata, it cannot be considered as an alternative species for insurance purposes.