- Speciality Species
Cypresses (especially Cupressus macrocarpa) have long been a New Zealand favourite for a range of uses, but the resource established in the early 20th century is dwindling fast.
C. macrocarpa is badly affected by canker in some parts of New Zealand, so canker-tolerance is a key breeding priority to restore grower confidence. New cypress hybrids have the potential to deliver increased vigour, canker tolerance, and good solid wood properties.
- Identification of canker-resistant genotypes
- Turnover of breeding populations
- New hybrid cuttings released for trial plantings
- Utilising young timber, and thermal modification of timber to increase durability.
- industry survey and workshop leading to a new cypress strategy – ‘Whakamahere Cypress – 2022-2042’ which identifies research and market development priorities
- making new canker-tolerant selections of C. macrocarpa and C. lusitanica: establishing three new C. macrocarpa trials to test canker tolerant genotypes
- confirming that thermally modifying C. lusitanica sapwood and heartwood significantly improves durability
- testing bending strength and stiffness of young Ovens cypress (a canker-tolerant C. lusitanica hybrid now being deployed but with a lack of information about its timber properties)
- producing and deploying new cypress hybrids in trials on numerous farm forestry properties.
Speciality Species News
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Eight researchers honoured at 2025 Forest Growers Research Awards
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Research showcased in the 2025 FGR Annual Science Report
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