| dc.description.abstract | The study was conducted to assess growth variation, survival, pest infestation, and diseases occurrence of three Eucalyptus clones of Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus grandis X Eucalyptus urophylla and two Eucalyptus grandis F1 and F2 from seed origin in Pabbo sub-county in Amuru district. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with randomized block design where each Eucalyptus germplasms were represented in a block. Each plot comprised 54 trees in a 9 x 6 arrangement and the number of plots per germplasm varied depending on the total population of the germplasm determined using disproportionate sampling. The experiments had 3 guard rows of trees at the edge and 6 trees in between the plots to avoid the edge effect. Data on tree height, dbh, survival, pest and disease occurrence were collected and a One-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to identify any significant differences in tree height and diameter, and a Tukey HSD Post Hoc analysis was used to identify where the significant differences occurred within the Eucalyptus germplasm. All five Eucalyptus germplasm varied in height, diameter, survival, and in pest and disease occurrence. Survival varied among the Eucalyptus germplasm with GU8 having the highest survival of 87% and E. grandis F1 with the lowest of 71%. Height and diameter growth varied among the Eucalyptus germplasm, GU8 had the greatest height of 3.5 meters while E. grandis F1 had the lowest of 3.30 meters. E. grandis F1 had the highest maximum diameter of 3.5 centimeters while GU7 had the lowest diameter of 3 centimeters. Common pests and diseases observed included Leptocybe invasa, Phymateus viridipes, and Bacterial wilt disease and their occurrence varied between the germplasm. These results indicated that the occurrence and severity of pests and diseases depended on age, health, and species. Based on the results of the study, GU8, GC550, and Eucalyptus grandis F2 were recommended for establishment in Pabbo sub-county in Amuru district. Although these showed favorable growth, and low pest and disease incidences, further research needs to be carried out and more observations be conducted. The selection of the suitable Eucalyptus germplasm for Pabbo sub-county in Amuru district should not be based solely on early performance since growth may not be sustained throughout the rotation and pest and disease occurrence may differ with age. | en_US |
