Clonal variation and nutrient use efficiency in eucalyptus

Millions of hectares of Eucalyptus are intensively managed for wood production in the tropics, but little is known about the Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE). NUE is a measure of how well plants use the available mineral nutrients. In the process, twenty four clones of Eucalyptus spp. were studied for the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) from the established clonal trials. It also provides valuable information for establishing plantations at different geographic locations. Considerable variations were observed when the selected 24 clones of Eucalyptus spp.were subjected to NUE studies. The clones of C-188, C-10, C-14, C-19, C-123 and C-186 falls in one cluster and the NUE for production of biomass and the commercial wood, the Eucalyptus clones of are registered lower consumption of available nutrients for production of biomass and commercial wood compared to ruling clones and the seed origin seedlings. Further, clonal variations in NUE are discussed in detail in this research paper and recommended suitable clones for large scale planting with higher productivity and NUE.