Abstract:

Research to select suitable species and provenances for planting in Uganda started in
1908 and 1966 respectively. It was not until 1953 that the research was greatly extended
when methods of research planning and recording were established in the first written
silvicultural research plan. Todate, more than 170 species have been tried in about 400
research plots.
Among the gymnosperms, P/nus caribaea, P/nus oocarpa and Pinus patula are by far the
most suitable for timber production in the country. Araucaria angustifolia, Araucaria
hunsteinil, Araucaria cunninghamü and Cupressus lusitanica are also important plantation
species. Eucalyptus species, (Eucalyptus grandis, Eucalyptus camaldu/ensis and Eucalyptus
tereticornis) performed best among the angiosperms. Term/na/ia, Markham/a, Measopsis
and Cord/a species have also performed satisfactorily.
This paper is a review of past experience in identifying species and provenances for
plantation forestry. Emphasis is placed on the period after 1953 when the first silvicultural
research plan was written.