The status of tree breeding in South Africa*

Abstract

The status of tree breeding in the Republic of South Africa is presented with the emphasis on statistics rather than description of trials and techniques. A complete list of species and provenance trials is presented indicating the search for new breeding material. Figures of phenotypic selections indicate the large number of species actively being worked on. Seed orchards have been established and good seed production is obtained for some of the major commercial species. Finally, a table summarises the number of progeny trials in the R.S.A. to indicate the establishment of populations for ongoing selection and breeding.