Evaluation of the characteristics of Eucalyptus pellita and acacia hybrid superior clones selected from breeding program in Indonesia as materials for pulp and papermaking

This study evaluates the characteristics of superior clones of Eucalyptus pellita and Acacia hybrid (Acacia mangium × A. auriculiformis) aged six years selected from a breeding program in Indonesia as materials for pulp and papermaking. Height, diameter, and wood density differed significantly between species and among the clones, with respective mean values 21.6 m, 12.57 cm, and 657 kg.m-3 for E. pellita and 19.5 m, 24.83 cm, and 567 kg.m-3 for Acacia hybrid. Most fiber morphologies were significantly different between species. Cellulose and lignin differed significantly only among Acacia hybrid clones. The mean value of screened pulp yield Acacia hybrid (52.50%) was higher than that of E. pellita (50.31%). Kappa number and brightness were significantly different between species and among E. pellita clones. Some correlations of growth and wood properties showed a better relationship to pulp properties. Handsheet properties varied between species, and some clones showed an outstanding one.