16 Clonal hybrids are becoming essential to forestry businesses to enable them to adapt to evolving markets and a changing environment. A changing climate, emergence of new pests and diseases and volatile markets call for tree plantations that are resilient, adaptable to a wide range of climatic conditions, and can serve multiple timber markets. Clonal hybrids combine favourable characteristics of the two parent species and often result in hybrid vigour. Hybrids are generally deployed as cuttings (clones) because this allows for the selection of the best individual and then multiplying through a cutting programme. The form and uniformity of clonal hybrids is generally good making them suitable for diverse markets. NCT manages a programme (Hybrid Clone Consortium-HCC) to screen hybrid material and select individuals for clonal deployment. Member nurseries contribute to funding this programme and have the rights to propagate and sell material developed by HCC. Local nurseries that are part of this programme include CPS Seedlings, Ezigro Seedlings, Sunshine Seedlings and Sutherland Seedlings. Several new clones are now available for purchase from these nurseries. New Eucalyptus clones in the market Warm temperate and subtropical clones: GU 400 and GU 412: These two clones are recommended for the Zululand coastal plain. They are tolerant of various pests and diseases such as Leptocybe invasa. GU 400 is an excellent volume producer, whilst GU 412 has better form. These clones should not be planted at mid-altitude, warm temperate regions due to susceptibility to Elsinoe masingae. GU 411, 483 and 488: These clones were selected from trials of the old GU 111, 083 and 088. The old clones were mixes of hybrids and the trials were screened to identify good trees that were then fingerprinted and given a new identity. GU411 is a good volume producer for midaltitude, high potential sites. It is essentially a cleaned-up clone from the GU 111 mix. It is expected to have similar site requirements and performance to its ‘predecessor’. The clone is tolerant of Elsinoe masingae and has potential as a pole producer. GU 483 should grow well on mid-altitude, warm – Noxolo Ndlovu – Research Scientist and Craig Norris – Tree Farming Manager –
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