Eucalypts for Tropical Rainforest (Af) climate

The equatorial region of the world includes areas of Tropical Rainforest (Af) and Tropical Monsoon (Am) climate zones, which are distinguished by high temperatures and high rainfall, but soils which are often deficient. Potential productivity of plantation forestry in this area is high, and so are the pest and disease dangers which threaten it. This paper describes the Eucalyptus and Corymbia species which are adapted to this situation and also resistant to the main diseases like leaf blights. Based on the highly adapted E. biterranea and E. deglupta and several more, hybridization combined with vegetative propagation is discussed as an excellent alternative to obtain quick gains in short rotations while maintaining wide genetic diversity in such plantations. Management remedies are given for the possible backlash of quick soil depletion.