Opportunities and challenges of Eucalyptus plantations in Europe: the Iberian Peninsula experience

Abstract

Although native to Australia, Eucalyptus species are found throughout Europe. At present, they are located mainly in the Iberian Peninsula and Eucalyptus globulus is the most commonly planted species. Climate forecasts anticipate an expansion of Eucalyptus to other regions of Europe. The fast growth of E. globulus, together with its resprouting ability and wood properties, has promoted the use of this species in the Iberian Peninsula. The total volume of E. globulus harvested there was close to 14 million m 3 in 2019. Eucalyptus species represent the main source of raw material for the pulp and paper industries and provide an important source of income to non-industrial owners. Being exotic fast-growing trees, their expansion has also been associated with negative environmental impacts. The species therefore poses a series of challenges, while also generating opportunities. The objectives of this review paper are: (1) to summarize the importance of Eucalyptus plantations in Europe; (2) to analyse the opportunities and challenges of this genus in present and future plantations in Europe;(3) to assess to what extent forest management, at both stand and landscape levels, can reduce negative impacts; (4) to make policy and management recommendations that may support the use of this genus in other European regions. These aims are accomplished based on a thorough literature review, particularly focused on research developed in the Iberian Peninsula.

Eucalyptus gunnii and Eucalyptus pulverulenta ‘Baby Blue’ Essential Oils as Potential Natural Herbicides

“…Native from Australia, the genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae) contains about 800 species and is largely cultivated around the world in commercial plantations for several applications, such as cellulose, pulp, gum, essential oils, and honey production, as well as for construction and as ornamental plants [1,2].…”

Herbicidal Effects and Cellular Targets of Aqueous Extracts from Young Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Leaves

“…Up to now, most works used extracts from E. citriodora [ 13 , 18 , 19 , 20 ] and E. camaldulensis [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Nevertheless, due to the favorable properties of its wood for the pulpwood industries, E. globulus is the most recurrent exotic species in world temperate regions, such as Portugal and Spain [ 10 , 23 ]. In this sense, the biocidal properties of this species have recently attracted more attention, with few studies evaluating the potential of concentrated essential oils [ 14 , 16 ], leachates [ 24 , 25 ], and aqueous extracts [ 11 , 12 , 26 , 27 ].…”

Origins, Diversity and Naturalization of Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae) in California

“…The genus contains some of the most widely planted forestry species in the world, some of which have been cultivated for over 150 years [4,5]. These trees have become controversial in some places where they are grown, simultaneously being recognized as economically important and as problematic non-native weeds [6,7].…”

“…While E. globulus has become naturalized and formed landraces in many regions of the world, its spread from the original planting areas is considered 'limited' for plantations in Australia [11], Portugal [12][13][14][15] and South Africa [16]. While E. globulus may spread outside planted areas into adjacent habitat, the vast majority of non-planted seedlings and saplings (often termed wildlings) occur in close proximity to the source (<50 m) [15] (reviewed in [7]). Studies have implicated factors such as climate, disturbance (particularly fire) and management in determining the likelihood of E. globulus wildling establishment in Australia and Portugal [7,[11][12][13]15,[17][18][19].…”

“…While E. globulus may spread outside planted areas into adjacent habitat, the vast majority of non-planted seedlings and saplings (often termed wildlings) occur in close proximity to the source (<50 m) [15] (reviewed in [7]). Studies have implicated factors such as climate, disturbance (particularly fire) and management in determining the likelihood of E. globulus wildling establishment in Australia and Portugal [7,[11][12][13]15,[17][18][19]. However, there is little understanding as to whether genetic factors, including those encompassed by the native origin, impact the propensity for naturalization.…”