Comment on:
Draft: Consultation on Accepted Tree Species for Grant Aid and Accepted Seed Origins Provenances
Dr. Gerry Douglas, Teagasc, Kinsealy Centry, Malahide Rd., Dublin 17, Sept 2015
General points
The draft document refers to Table X and x , regarding proposed to deployments in Afforestation , FEPS etc and Native Woodland scheme respectively. However, the tables are not marked X and x in my draft so my comments below may / may not be relevant, depending on the specific scheme.
Some consideration should be given to providing a stimulus for the deployment of native shrub species associated with forestry Schemes. It is highly desirable that native / naturalised sources are used as much as possible and imports be discouraged. Seed production in Ireland, by the species below, are generally plentiful and should be used as much as possible, in preference to imports, because their greater adaptability and also to minimise risks of pest / disease importation: e.g. yew (Taxus baccata), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), spindle (Euonymus europaea), Viburnum spp (V. opulusV. lantana) hazel (Corylus avellana), holly (Ilex aquifolium)and Sorbus spp.
Conifers:
Cupressocyparis leylandii
I have concerns about inclusion of Cupressocyparis leylandii because the material being marketed is generally monoclonal. There are many ornamental forms marketed which are distinguishable and are clonally propagated. Ornamental forms are generally sports of the original hybrids. It is estimated that up to 20separate hybridisation events of Cupressus nootkatensis X Cupressus macrocarpa have arisen in England and N. Irelandwhich have given rise to many different clonal sources of Leyland cypress, but they would be indistinguishable phenotypically. I am not aware of guaranteed polyclonal mixtures. However, if a polyclonal mixture could be assured it would be more acceptable for deployment.
Cupressus macrocarpa
Generally, C. macrocarpa is a rather rough species which generally is not very wind firm. In most cases Chamaecyparis lawsoniana and Thuja plicata will perform better and the latter two species would be well adapted for a broader range of sites across Ireland. However, if C. macrocarpa is deemed acceptable, the performance of imported provenances in Ireland should be already known, otherwise Irish source identified material should be acceptable.
Thuja plicata
Irish seed stand(s) are available and are the preferred source, however the performance of import provenances in Ireland should be already known, otherwise Irish source identified material should be acceptable.
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana
I note that no recommendations are suggested. This is a widely adaptable species for Ireland and has been widely planted in the past. Perhaps data is available on provenance performance ? I think that source identified material would have a performance potential which would be acceptable.
Broadleaves:
Oak
Regarding oak it is not clear why Irish source identified is not acceptable over selected material from UK and Europe, particularly in regard to the Native Woodland scheme. Exclusion of source identified material for the Native scheme may limit plant production by nurseries in years of poor acorn production in Europe. However, if the performance of the specified imported provenances in Ireland is sufficiently well known, and seeds are readily available,it would be preferable to use them in afforestation, for years where native acorn production is low from Selected Irish stands.
Alder
Some consideration should be given to Alnus rubra and Alnus incana – they both perform well in many situations in Ireland and may have forestry / biomass potential similar to the other alders.
Maples
Acer platanoides is a continental species which seems to thrive better in warmer climates. From my limited observations it is not very productive in Ireland and would not warrant grant aiding. However, I may be unaware of the true potential of this species. For environmental purposes Acer campestre may have value.
Hornbeam
Some consideration should be given to Carpinus betulus – it is well adapted to heavy soils, grows well in Ireland and may have forestry / biomass potential.
Poplars
The list of poplar clones appears old and may require updating ? From European work, there is much information available on poplar clones which should be investigated further with regard to suitability for Ireland and whether or not plant breeders’ rights still apply. Similarly, there should be information available on performance of various clones of hybrid aspen which may indicate the best.