Abstract: Eucalyptus globulus is an economically important tree of the Myrtaceae family. Its wood is used for construction, furniture, fuel, plywood, tools, and utility poles; leaves possess medicinal properties; flowers are a source of nectar; and wide-spreading, dense root system is important for soil stabilization. The species is characterized by a high coppicing potential. The growth of coppice shoots is limited by many factors, such as parent tree species, size and abiotic conditions. This study was aimed at quantifying the regeneration performance of shoots (including number of shoots, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, number of branches, and shoot height) from the stumps of E. globulus seedlings drawn from two diameter classes, namely 1 – 4 mm and 5 – 8 mm. Data were collected three months after the initiation of treatments and subjected to analysis of variance. An increase in stump diameter resulted in increases in the number of leaves, leaf dimensions, number of branches, and shoot height. Though existent, the trend was not statistically significant for number of shoots. The results indicate that shoots from larger stumps have a stronger regenerative ability than counterparts from small-sized stumps. This study provides essential information relevant to seedling coppice management in E. globulus.
Keywords: Coppice regeneration, Eucalyptus globulus, Leaf dimensions, Shoot Morphology, Stump size.
Title: Growth Performance of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (blue gum) Seedling Coppices as Influenced by Stump Diameter
Author: Mariline Nkenkuh Loh, Titus Fondo Ambebe
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
Vol. 12, Issue 1, January 2024 - March 2024
Page No: 36-40
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 27-March-2024
