18/08/2010 – Flowering and seed development in eucalypts.

The 2010 forecast for eucalypt flowering and seed has just been released by Forest Solutions for the Central Highlands of Victoria. VicForests and DSE funded the project and will utilise the outcomes to ensure effective seed management in State forests.

Using an extensive network of monitoring sites throughout mountain forests in the Highlands, floral components were collected, analysed, and the data modelled to produce predictions about when each eucalypt species will flower, or produce seed up until 2014. Light aircraft was also used to locate flowering in the landscape, indicating where future seed could be collected.

The Director of Forest Solutions said, "Knowing the natural cycle of these forest events will also assist with forest recovery following future bushfires. Seed is the principal requirement for regeneration in Ash forests".