Radiata pine

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32879, 30 March 1972, Page 13

Radiata pine

Pinus radiata, the synonym of which is P. insignis, is a very common shelter tree and in New Zealand forms the largest man-made forests in the world. The infrequently-used common name is Monterey pine. The tree has numerous applications in industry including the manufacture of most types of paper, particle board and treated timber of various forms; but as an ornamental it would not rank very highly. ' If Australian interests in tins tree are any indication of future trends it may not be Slong before plantings increase considerably. It has been shown that Pinus radiata is the fastest-growing conifer under a variety of conditions and, as such, figures indicate that it will easily surpass eucalypts. An annual development rate of 200 cubic feet an acre has been recorded with an annual increment of about 500 cubic feet in better soils. This is against the approximate 10 cu. ft per annum for euca--2? ts - A height of between 6 9 * <et reached after 20 years, up to a maximum of around 140 ft In an effort to develop a top grade of Pinus radiata tree, selections are being made from trees bearing several characteristics, namely vigorous growth, straight trunks with thin wide angled branches which give small knots when milled and disease and pest resistance.

Although these pines have not shown particular response as yet to fertiliser treatment it has been found that lack of boron can lead not only to a restriction of growth but also to death of shoots and roots.