Potential Areas in Poland for Forestry Plantation

Performance and Genetic Parameters of Poplar Hybrids and Clones in a Field Trial Are Modified by Contrasting Environmental Conditions during the Vegetative Propagation Phase

This study investigates epigenetics-like phenomena: how performance phenotypic plasticity, genotypic variation, and the heritability of growth traits and total phenolic compounds of Populus hybrids and clones in field trials may be modified by contrasting temperature conditions at their vegetation propagation phase. The significant effect of rooting–growing conditions on further tree performance in field trials was found for height increment in 2020, although the interaction hybrid by rooting–growing conditions was highly significant for phenolic compounds, tree height, and diameter, meaning that the performance of some hybrids was affected by rooting–growing conditions, thus demonstrating epigenetic-like effects. For phenolic compounds, interactions were also significant at the clonal level. High estimates of ecovalency indicate that some hybrids are ecologically sensitive, and epigenetic-like phenomena might occur. Hybrid P. balsamifera × P. trichocarpa is characterized by high ecovalency and specific adaptations according to mean tree height when vegetatively propagated under different rooting–growing conditions. Low estimates of P. deltoides × P. trichocarpa ecovalency demonstrate a general adaptation according to mean tree height in a field trial. Vegetative propagation conditions have also altered the genetic variation of traits in trees being planted in field trials.

Fast-Growing Trees Species—Opportunities and Risks for Sustainable Agricultural and Forest Land Use Systems

The cultivation of fast-growing tree species has noticeably increased worldwide in recent years [...]

Value Chain Analysis of Eucalyptus Wood Products in the Blue Nile Highlands of Northwestern Ethiopia

Eucalyptus wood products contribute significantly to the income of smallholder growers in many parts of Ethiopia. This has incentivized smallholders to convert arable lands to Eucalyptus plantation. Given the limited attention and availability of empirical evidence, this study examined the Eucalyptus wood products value chain in terms of the actors engaged, the type and importance of channels, margins analysis and the overall value chain governance in the main Eucalyptus growing areas of the Blue Nile highlands of Northwestern Ethiopia in 2019/2020. Sources of data were randomly selected 388 Eucalyptus grower households and 166 Eucalyptus wood traders, complemented by an interview with key informants, group discussions and direct observations. The results reveal that a total of 2,051,114.75 m3 of Eucalyptus wood was produced in the study area and Eucalyptus plantations are expanding over crop lands at a rate of 102.35 ha a year on average. Many actors involved handle a large volume of wood in eight main channels with a high disparity in the shares of the margins. We found that Eucalyptus is the main source of cash earning, contributing about 45.76% to the total annual income of smallholder growers. Little policy attention, a lack of sectoral integration, missing infrastructure and an absence of modern wood processing factories are among the key challenges impeding the performance of the wood sector value chain. There are however existing opportunities for the development of the wood sector value chain such as favorable growing conditions and the spectacular growing demand for wood products. The study provides valuable insights about the wood sector value chain and actions towards ensuring sustainable value chains and the commercialization of the sector.