Development of sprouted stumps of Eucalyptus globulus and E. maidenii in Uruguay

Summary Eucalyptus globulus ssp. globulus Labill. and E. globulus ssp. maidenii (Mueller) Kirkpatrick are two of the main plantation species used in Uruguay. When felled, stumps of these species have the ability to produce new growth via dormant buds situated beneath the bark. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival of coppice arising from the dormant buds and to determine if pathogenic wood-rooting fungi colonised the stumps and reduced sprouting. The development of coppice from stumps of trees felled monthly over a six-month period was evaluated five times over about 18 months in each instance. Coppice of E. maidenii remained alive longer than did that of E. globulus. At the stump surface more than 40% of the bark of E. globulus was detached; this could be associated with the death of coppice and low survival of stumps. Consequently, new plantations are being established by planting between rows of stumps, instead of trying to manage the stump coppice. Several wood-rotting fungi colonising stump surfaces were identified, but no pathogenic species were associated with the death of coppice or stumps.