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Summary
The areas of eucalypt plantations in Tasmania are examined by species and ownership category (to the end of 1984).
Prior to the early 1970s annual plantings averaged less than 20 ha but since then they have been gradually increased to an average of over 1500 ha for the period 1982–1984. These changes are attributable to the ready availability of a market for eucalypt pulpwood with the advent of export woodchipping in the early 1970s, and in 1979 the introduction of schemes assisting rural land owners to establish plantations. Industrial forestry companies, rural land owners and the State own 60%, 20% and 20% of the plantings, respectively. Almost 90% of plantings are in the north-west or north-east forest regions. The main species planted are two species of the southern blue gum group, Eucalyptus globulus spp. globulus and E. nitens, which each account for approximately 32% of the 11 400 ha planted. These two species have shown significantly superior early growth compared with the 24 other species examined, including 14 mainland species. The development of eucalypt breeding strategies in Tasmania is briefly discussed.