Potential of clones to boost yields in tea tree plantations

TL;DRAbstract

This thesis reports on an investigation into variation in commercial oil traits of sets of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) clones and improved seedling controls at up to three plant stockings (33,333, 22,222 and 16,667 plants/ha). The two trials examined in this work were planted in 2004 and 2006 at Bungawalbin by the Rural Industry Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC)/Australian Tea Tree Industry Association (ATTIA) tea tree breeding programme managed by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI). The main aim of these trials was to determine if there is a financial advantage to growers in replanting their existing unimproved tea tree plantations with clones rather than using improved seedlings from seed orchards established by the breeding programme. This is addressed by the development of a financial model comparing the financial aspects of planting clones vs. seedlings at two stockings (33,333 and 16,667 plants/ha)\nThe 2006 clonal spacing trial (CST)

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