18 The economics of growing E. grandis x E. smithii hybrids Noxolo Ndlovu Research Scientist The novel E. grandis x E. smithii hybrids were developed to address the limitations associated with the planting of pure E. smithii. These hybrids allow for the establishment of areas previously unsuited to E. smithii while maintaining and/or improving its wood quality. At present, GS 211 is the only E. grandis x E. smithii hybrid commercially available at nurseries CPS Seedlings, Ezigro Seedlings, Sunshine Seedlings, and Sutherland Seedlings. In research trials, established across a range of site conditions, GS 211 has demonstrated superior growth when compared to E. smithii (Figure 1 and Table 1). Results from pulping studies indicate that GS 211 has excellent pulp and papermaking properties.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyNjA0