Chapters authored
Conifers: Species Diversity and Improvement Status in Kenya
A wide range of exotic conifer species have been successfully introduced in Kenya since 1910 for the purpose of supplying wood, mainly for timber, pulp, and plywood industries. Among the conifers introduced, Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula have adapted well to local growing conditions and are now the key species widely planted in commercial plantations. The other conifer species are planted at secondary level or as ornamentals. In order to increase productivity, the key conifer species have been subjected to genetic improvement through selection, breeding, and hybridization. Results of tree improvement work on C. lusitanica and P. patula showed growth and productivity increase from 20 to 25 m3/ha/yr. for C. lusitanica and from 25 to 30 m3/ha/yr. for P. patula. Scaling up conifer plantations using the tree improvement technologies drawn for the two species is one of the strategies for closing the annual wood supply–demand deficit which is currently estimated at 10.3 million m3. It is also one of the strategies for achieving 10% tree cover which is currently at 7.2%. The strategy encompasses the application of principles of tree breeding, improved germplasm, silviculture, pests and disease control. This presentation is a review of the status of conifer species since their introduction in Kenya.
Part of the book: Conifers
Seed Production and Handling of Two Important Conifers Grown in Kenya
Pinus patula and Cupressus lusitanica are key commercial forestry plantation species introduced in Kenya. There are many uses for these species in industry creating a huge demand for their products. The demand has caused increased plantation establishment with seed as the major source of propagule. The many developments in the forestry sector have led to the need for low energy rapid extraction technique that improve seed quantity and quality from the available sources. There have been developments in improving extraction and quality which offer an opportunity for better seed collection and handling techniques for these conifers. This chapter will focus on improvement of seed production and handling of the two conifers that aids in the design of low energy-intensive methods that reduce the duration for extraction, optimize seed yield and enhance seed quality.
Part of the book: Seed Biology