Stone pine in Portugal
Stone pine ( Pinus pinea) is a forest tree species native from the Mediterranean basin, so its a native species in Portugal. In fact the Iberian Peninsula account for around 75% from all stone pine distribution in the world. Stone pine is very well adapted to the Mediterranean in particular is quite drought resistant. Thus, Stone pine is able to cope well in many regions in Portugal where there are not so many tree species able to do it. This makes Pinus pinea an interesting species from environmental reasons. In addition there has been recently in Portugal highly affected areas of Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) by the pine wilt nematode to which Stone pine has been showing resistance. Still, apart from this talents from Stone pine probably one of the most interesting aspects are the pine nuts produced by this species. Such pine nuts are an highly appreciated delicatessen and attain high values in the market making Stone pine very interesting from the economic point of view. Despite all these interest aspects from Stone pine there is still a large of lack of research in this species and that is why I believe would be a great step forward if PINEA Project would be approved. Right now PINEA project is waiting to be evaluated let’s see if a chance will be given for such an interesting species.
Category: Forestry 4 comments »
June 20th, 2010 at 11:32 am
Dear Mr Fontes,
I am quite interested in stone pine and hence the pinea project. Having researched a bit (say, shopped around on the internet for quite a while), I must admit effectively a lot of contradicting information is published relating to productivity, tree density, even maturity of pinus pinea.
Can you be of help ?
Best regards,
Erik
June 20th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Dear Erik,
thank you for your message and interest. As Spain and Portugal account for a very large proportion of this species, most of the references to recommend you will be in Portuguese and Spanish, if you will be able to read it drop me a message by email and I email you back.
Best regards,
Luis Fontes
June 21st, 2010 at 10:03 am
Dear Mr Fontes,
I guess that with a bit of effort I shouldbe capable of managing portuguese texts. Eventually, can I pose you additional questions ?
Thanks, superb, very happy with your fast response.
Best regards,
Erik
June 23rd, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Dear Mr Fontes,
Can you email references to erik@inexnv.be ?
Thanks in advance,
Erik