Conifers: Species Diversity and Improvement Status in Kenya

A wide range of exotic conifer species have been successfully introduced in Kenya since 1910 for the purpose of supplying wood, mainly for timber, pulp, and plywood industries. Among the conifers introduced, Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula have adapted well to local growing conditions and are now the key species widely planted in commercial plantations. The other conifer species are planted at secondary level or as ornamentals. In order to increase productivity, the key conifer species have been subjected to genetic improvement through selection, breeding, and hybridization. Results of tree improvement work on C. lusitanica and P. patula showed growth and productivity increase from 20 to 25 m3/ha/yr. for C. lusitanica and from 25 to 30 m3/ha/yr. for P. patula. Scaling up conifer plantations using the tree improvement technologies drawn for the two species is one of the strategies for closing the annual wood supply–demand deficit which is currently estimated at 10.3 million m3. It is also one of the strategies for achieving 10% tree cover which is currently at 7.2%. The strategy encompasses the application of principles of tree breeding, improved germplasm, silviculture, pests and disease control. This presentation is a review of the status of conifer species since their introduction in Kenya