Pinus Research Achievements as at 1965/66

• Lack of genetically quality tree seed sources • Insufficient diversity for provenance trials • Lack of good lands for panting • Lack of experienced research nursery staff • Trees at establishment not being fertilise with boron.to combat top die back. Pinus merkusii ex Sumatra variety Aceh in 1969 trialled. It provided viable seed. Howcroft 1969 proposal approved to establish a seed production program with P carribea; patula; kesiya; merkusii; strobus var chiapensis.

Pinus Research Achievements as at 1965/66

Activities for afforestation work and rehabilitation of PNG grassland and secondary regrowth included:

• Site selection by vegetative zones and soil types • Nursery techniques including mycorrhiza introduction. Trials in Bulolo started by Ms Paddy White • Fertiliser trials in nursery and infield with boron • Direct sowing of seed appeared to waste seed. Preference was to raise stock in standout beds and prick out • Establish species trials from 300 to 1500 m altitude Species for provenance trialling and clonal and seedling sed orchards included P carribea; patula; kesiya; merkusii; strobus var chiapensis; oocarpa; tecunumannii; oocarpa Large scale plantings were commenced in the eastern highlands with P kesiya and patula in 1962/63. Good growth exhibited. P strobus var chiapensis performed well in trails in Bulolo/Wau; Hagen; Mendi from 1963 to 1972. The earlier introductionsof superb growth and form came from Oxaca Cuicatlan Mexico. Unfortunately, the good Wau stands were lost to fire.in 1984, an assessment showed that this species had been planted at Lapegu Further species trials were established in 1964/65 in Eastern Highlands; Morobe – Bulolo and Markham valley; western highlands to Wabag and Laiagam Extension plantings of pines were observed along the main road from Kainantu to Goroka as well as Eucalypts as saligna and grandis. Goroka township plantings included Casuarina oligodon (yar); Eucalyptus; Cupressus; Hoop pine and Pinus species. The highlanders are great gardeners of both indigenous and exotic plants. Flowers included impatiens; rhododendrons; roses and vegetables. At Marafunga sawmill in a Nothofagus montane forest there were species trials of eucalypts and Pinus species – patula; chiapensis; radiata. The sawmill rest house had a large billiard table

High winds affecting some of the pines and eucalypts. Root rot was present – amyllariella. The environs were magnificent with a variety of bird calls including ribbon tail birds of paradise; orchids; ferns; rhododendrons; flowering vines; gingers etc.