Resources

The Resources category covers research projects such as forest policy, growth and yield modelling, wood quality, forest health management, silviculture, water use, soil quality, plant disease, tree genetics, tree breeding and resource evaluation.

Major issues include forest management strategies for climate change and maximising the greenhouse advantages of forest products.

A key goal is to increase industry profitability and ensure efficient use of inputs throughout the industry’s value chain.

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All Resources Reports

Introduction of the wasp Diaeretus essigellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiini) for biological control of Monterey Pine Aphid, Essigella californica (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Cinarini) in Australia. Stage 1 Final Report.

The Monterey pine aphid, Essigella californica, was first recorded in Australia in 1998.

Fertilisation and forest health: preventing or offsetting biotic leaf loss in eucalypt plantations

The project developed tools to be used by managers of Eucalyptus globulus plantations to prevent or offset the effects of defoliation events on plantation productivity. The role of fertilising was specifically investigated. The project aimed to: identify the effects of fertilising on growth responses to defoliation by insects and pathogens; examine the physiological processes that govern growth responses to defoliation or infection; and develop a decision support system that predicts the effects of pest attack on productivity.

Review of Alternative Pine Species for Low-Rainfall Zones of Australia

A review was conducted of pine species with potential for application in plantation forestry on ‘low-rainfall’ sites in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Here ‘low-rainfall’ sites are defined as sites that experience rainfall lower than the traditional sites for growing commercial pine plantations with Pinus radiata in southern and western Australia, and P. caribaea and P. elliottii hybrids in Queensland.

Improving dimensional stability in plantation-grown Eucalyptus pilularis and E. dunnii

This project sampled progeny trials of Eucalyptus pilularis and E. dunnii for a range of wood properties to determine:
1. Comparison of non-destructive and destructive assessment techniques
2. Understanding of the role of wood chemistry in, and genetic control of, wood behaviour, quality, drying and sawn wood characteristics;
3. Development of a toolkit for wood quality examination

Industry wide genetic analysis of tree breeding data using TREEPLAN®

Selecting the best tree for any particular location or economic situation, whether that is for sawn timber or pulp, is the key goal of the TREEPLAN software.

Managing subtropical pines for improved wood production based on a better understanding of genetics, silviculture, environment and their interactions

Australia’s sub-tropical pine plantations of Slash pine (Pinus elliottii), Caribbean pine (Pinus caribaea), and hybrids between these species are an important source of high quality, structural framing timber and engineered wood products. Growers are looking for the best financial returns from trees that grow quickly in sub-tropical climates and produce quality wood, graded by wood stiffness.

Review of the Draft Code of Practice for Private Native Forestry in NSW

This study reports on the economic and silvicultural implications of a NSW Code by applying the EUCAMIX native forest growth simulation model to eucalypt forests in the Upper North East region of NSW. Only the basal area reduction and large tree retention prescriptions were examined, though the Code also impacts on harvesting and silvicultural activities through stream buffer and listed ecological species prescriptions.

Blue Gum Plantation Management System

This project designed a software system to facilitate efficient and precise plantation management, and developed a computer-based system and associated biometry to assist with the planning and management of the plantation estate in order to achieve desired wood flow and financial outcomes.

Juvenile Wood Characteristics, Effects and Identification - Literature Review

The objective of the literature review is to provide a background to explain how the extent and effect of the juvenile wood core can affect softwood processing with an emphasis on product straightness, stiffness and stability. The principal species considered include Pinus radiata, and southern pines grown in Queensland (P. elliottii and P. caribaea).

Improving Wood Quality And Yield, And Tools For Forest Management

This report is available as an FWPA Investment Plan, please click here to access.