Pinus Radiata - Collecting Information Wanted

[Jow]

The Timber clone parents have been selected over time from various plantations so depending on the age of the plantation will also depend on which clone number the forest is. But then when you throw seed variation into the mix it may not matter a whole lot.

[Graeme]

Thanks again guys. It's just that I always thought the Radiata found in plantations was a hybrid thing that was selected because it grew "straight and true", making it more difficult to get (and keep) all those nice curves we all like in the trunks. I take it this is not so?

[shibui]

Not a hybrid Graeme, just selection and breeding of the fastest growing and straightest trees. Maybe that will have some influence in distance between nodes but if you put a bend in it will still stay there like any other tree. good pinching and styling techniques should still give results but I'd be interested in hearing whenever anyone has something to add.

You should also not be collecting the timber clone plants the foresters have planted (they get a bit upset when you pull up the trees they have paid to plant ) Mostly you will be collecting wild seedlings which will have a whole range of genes so, as always, look out for seedlings with desirable characteristics - short internodes, lots of buds, twisted growth.