The genus Pinus can be considered as one of the more widely planted genus of
the conifers and tropical pine species play an important role in plantation forestry
(see also Chapter 4 of this book). There are at least seven species of pines
exhaustively planted in the tropics for production of industrial wood – mainly for
pulp production (Pinus caribaea, Pinus elliotti, Pinus oocarpa, Pinus patula, and Pinus
radiata originated all from Central and North America; Pinus kesiya and Pinus.
merkusii from Asia). Madagascar is one of the countries in the Africa region with a
sizeable pine plantation area, a large proportion of which was established under
World Bank financed projects. However, optimistic prediction by experts, haste
and incorrect choice of species and non-application of proper silviculture
management are identified as the factors leading to a poor yield. In a detailed field
inventory during 1982, the mean annual increment for the pine plantation was
estimated to be 5.68 m3/ha, whereas the potential yield from a natural forest is
estimated to be 10 m3/ha/year (FAO 1995b). This example shows that without
proper management, the yield of a plantation may be lower than the yield in
natural forests. In contrast in Brazil, pine is the second largest species group
planted and most of the plantations are owned and managed by the private sector.
On a 20-year rotation, the MAI of the actual yield in plantation is estimated to be
15 m3/ha/year whereas the potential yield of a natural forest is estimated to be
11 m3/ha/year (FAO 1995b).
Future outlook
In near future, the role of plantation will