NEWS & VIEWS • MARCH 2025 15 together with E. smithii. The results showed that the E. grandis × E. smithii hybrids had a pulp yield comparable to E. smithii but exhibited superior pulp and paper-making properties. GS 211 had the highest tensile, burst and tear strength, followed by B 223, then E. smithii. The hybrids do, however, have a lower basic density compared to E. smithii. These Sappi results were confirmed by the Hokuetsu Corporation (HKP) in September 2024. R50/tonne price premium for E. grandis x E. grandis mill deliveries: HKP have agreed in principle for wood from the hybrid to be mixed in with E. smithii shipments, but they are concerned about the effect that the lower density will have on stowage. For this reason, a price premium of half of the E. smithii price premium will be offered to members for all E. grandis x E. smithii mill deliveries. NCT is encouraging members to plant hybrids on sites Figure 1: Yield of GS 211 versus E. smithii in 8-year-old line trials Table 1: Site characteristics of trials testing E. grandis x E. smithii hybrids that are not suitable for E. smithii. Site requirements and recommendations: • Altitude between 800 m to 1300 m • Avoid frost prone sites and/or frost pockets • Areas previously limited by Phytophthora such as in southern Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal • Can be planted on margin E. smithii sites The future of the E. grandis x E. smithii hybrid: GS 211 has a lower wood density and oil content compared to E. smithii. Future efforts will focus on identifying high-yielding hybrids with wood density comparable to or greater than E. smithii, together with higher oil content. Furthermore, the hybrid will continue to be tested across a range of mean annual precipitation and temperature conditions to further refine and expand its site suitability requirements.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyNjA0