AProvenance Trial of Pinus contorta at 4,800 ft in the Kaweka Range

Authors: A. Cunningham, Q. Roberts
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1970, Issue N.Z.J.For. 15(1) 1970, pp 79-87, May 1970
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Abstract: This paper records the establishment of a high-altitude provenance trial of Pinus contorta Dough, and reviews information on survival and growth during the first seven years. The trial is located at an elevation of 4,800 ft a.s.l, which is slightly above the present natural timberline. Eleven seed sources were used of which two were from New Zealand and the remainder from North America. Subspecies represented, on Critchfield's classification, were contorta, murrayana, and latifolia; of these, subspecies contorta showed the highest growth rates. Survival exceeded 70% for most provenances, but annual height growth was only 1 in. to 4i in. Plants originating from Karioi Forest (N.Z.) showed satisfactory survival and displayed the greatest vigour.