PINE RESIN PRODUCTIVITY AT SAO HILL FOREST PLANTATION, SOUTHERN TANZANIA

Abstract

A study on resin productivity from Pinus patula and P. elliottii was carried out at Sao Hill Forest Plantation. Four and three compartments for Pinus patula and P. elliottii, respectively covering age between 5 and 25 years were selected. In each compartment, three plots (12m × 12m) were systematically established. All trees in each plot were measured for diameter at breast height (Dbh) and three trees (smallest, medium and largest in diameter) measured for total height and crown diameter. All trees in treatment plots were tapped for resin. Weighing and re-wounding of tapped trees was done after every ten days in ten sessions. The findings show that annual resin yield ranged from 0.56kg tree^-1 to 1.32kg tree^-1 and from 0.47kg tree^-1 to 1.98kg tree^-1 for P. patula P. elliottii, respectively. The Dbh and crown diameter were important predictors resin production. Over 31% of annual resin production was explained by stand level variables. It was recommended that integration of resin tapping into the current schemes of timber will improve the contribution of the forest sector in economic growth. Further, introduction of resin tapping may be an attractive option for early income generation while waiting trees to attain the rotation age.