It is normal that some of the trial areas have experienced severe frost damage. That is precisely one of the reasons for their planting: a tool to refine the selections of promising genotypes :-)




It is also quite likely that previous work with the species and its hybrids in Florida (and elsewhere where these genetic lines have experienced some selection pressure for cold tolerance) yields interesting strains. Tree breeding works like that. Mix, select, refine, mix select, refine. Same as any other domesticated plant or animal we all have around.

What is certain is ArborGen's efforts help put the USA at the vanguard of Eucalyptus tree biotechnology, and that is something to be proud of.