Performance of Eucalyptus species and provenances in the Northern Plateau of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate species and provenances of Eucalyptus spp., selecting those with high survival and productive potential under the conditions of the Santa Catarina Plateau. The test is located in the municipality of Rio Negrinho, northern Santa Catarina state. The stand was established in December 1999 with thirteen species of the genus Eucalyptus, originating from seeds of different origins. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications and linear plots. The variables evaluated were survival (%), height (m), diameter at breast height (cm), volume (m3) and bifurcation of the individuals. Potential species in relation to quantitative characteristics were E. smithii, E. dunnii, E. benthamii, E. badjensis and E. dorrigoensis. For the qualitative variables E. badjensis, E. macarthurii, E. benthamii and E. dorrigoensis presented the best results. It was possible to verify the wide variability of the characteristics evaluated between provenances, highlighting the importance of choosing adapted genetic materials with superior quantitative characteristics. The study shows that other Eucalyptus species, besides those usually planted in the region, have a potential for commercial stands, tolerating low temperatures, frost occurrence and good productivity.