Pine (Pinus kesiya)

Pine (Pinus kesiya) - Detailed Information

Local Indian Name: Hindi: (Khasi Pine), Bengali: (Khasi Pine), Assamese: (Khasi Sonaru), Manipuri: (Pine Gach), Khasi (Meghalaya): Dieng Sohkhir

Scientific Name: Pinus kesiya

Family: Pinaceae

Category: Evergreen Coniferous Tree

Subcategory: Timber and Resin-Producing Tree

Native Region:

• Indigenous to Northeast India (Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam)

• Also found in Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and the Philippines

Introduction:

Pine (Pinus kesiya), commonly known as Khasi Pine, is a fast-growing, tall coniferous tree native to the subtropical regions of India and Southeast Asia. It is widely used for timber, resin extraction, and soil conservation. The tree thrives in hilly and mountainous areas, contributing significantly to forestry and environmental sustainability.

Importance & Benefits:

• Timber Source: Used for construction, furniture, and paper production.

• Resin Extraction: Produces oleoresin, which is refined into turpentine oil and rosin.

• Environmental Benefits: Helps in soil stabilization, prevents erosion, and supports biodiversity.

• Firewood & Charcoal: Used as a fuel source in rural areas.

• Carbon Sequestration: Absorbs a significant amount of carbon dioxide, aiding in climate change mitigation.

Description and Cultivation:

• Height: Grows up to 30–35 meters tall.

• Trunk: Straight, cylindrical, reddish-brown bark with deep cracks.

• Leaves (Needles): Long, slender, and bright green (in bundles of three).

• Flowers: Monoecious (separate male and female cones on the same tree).

• Fruits (Cones): Woody, ovoid cones, which release seeds when mature.

Varieties and Cultivars:

• Pinus kesiya var. kesiya: Found in India, Nepal, and Myanmar.

• Pinus kesiya var. langbianensis: Native to Vietnam and China.

• Pinus kesiya x Pinus merkusii Hybrid: Developed for faster growth and better adaptability.

Location and Light:

• Sunlight Requirement: Requires full sunlight for optimal growth.

• Temperature Tolerance: Thrives in cool to warm climates (5°C–30°C).

• Altitude Range: Grows best at 900–1,800 meters above sea level.

Soil Preparation:

• Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils.

• pH range 5.0 to 6.5 (slightly acidic).

• Adding organic matter enhances soil fertility.

Planting:

• Best Season: Pre-monsoon (March–May) and post-monsoon (September–November).

• Spacing: Maintain 4–6 meters between trees for better growth.

• Pit Size: 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm, filled with organic compost and soil mixture.

Watering:

• Young Trees: Require regular watering for the first 2–3 years.

• Mature Trees: Drought-resistant but benefit from occasional deep watering during dry periods.

Pruning:

• Prune damaged, diseased, or overcrowded branches to encourage airflow and sunlight penetration.

• Light trimming helps maintain shape and prevent pest infestations.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Common Pests:

  • Pine Shoot Beetle (Tomicus spp.)

  • Bark Borers

  • Aphids

• Common Diseases:

  • Needle Blight

  • Pine Wilt Disease

• Management Practices:

  • Use natural insecticides and fungicide sprays to control infections.

  • Maintain proper spacing and air circulation to prevent fungal attacks.

Environmental Conditions:

• Climate: Grows in subtropical to temperate climates.

• Rainfall: Requires 1,000–2,500 mm annual rainfall.

• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity levels.

Propagation:

• Seeds: Germinate within 2–3 weeks under warm, moist conditions.

• Grafting: Used in forestry programs for genetic improvement.

• Tissue Culture: Applied for commercial propagation in controlled environments.

Uses:

• Timber Uses:

  • Used for construction, furniture, and plywood.

  • Lightweight yet strong, making it ideal for paper production.

• Resin & Oil Production:

  • Oleoresin is tapped from trees and processed into turpentine oil and rosin.

  • Used in paints, varnishes, adhesives, and medicines.

• Environmental Uses:

  • Helps in soil conservation and afforestation projects.

  • Acts as a windbreak in hilly areas.

• Fuel & Charcoal:

  • Wood is used as firewood and charcoal production in rural areas.

Monetary Benefits:

• Timber Value: ₹2,500–₹6,000 per cubic meter, depending on quality.

• Resin Production:

  • One mature tree can produce 3–5 kg of resin per year.

  • Market price of turpentine oil: ₹300–₹500 per liter.

  • Rosin is sold at ₹80–₹150 per kg.

• Seedlings Sale: ₹10–₹50 per sapling in nurseries.

• Forest Department Contracts: Government agencies buy Khasi Pine saplings for afforestation projects.

References:

1. Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)

2. Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun

3. National Afforestation & Eco-Development Board (NAEB), India

4. Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA)