Dalbergia Sissoo Mortality in Bangladesh Plantations: Correlations with Environmental and Management Parameters

background

This research seeks to correlate environmental and plantation conditions with the widespread mortality of Dalbergia sissoo trees planted in Bangladesh.

Goals & Methods

In order to understand the relationship between D. sissoo mortality and environmental and plantation characteristics, the authors examined 72 mixed plantations across five districts in Bangladesh. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

Four of the five districts studied had a D. sissoo mortality rate of over 50%. The study finds a significant relationship between the plantation density (number of D. sissoo trees per hectare) and the percent mortality. When in mixed plantations, the study finds that the percent of the plantation being D. sissoo was positively correlated with mortality.The authors suggest that the density-dependent mortality could be because the common fungal pathogens that attack D. sissoo are soil born and can spread faster when the trees are closer together. Meanwhile, soil conditions and plantation age had no correlation with mortality. The authors also suggest that economic and feasibility analyses be conducted to test if D. sissoo should be used as a plantation species in Bangladesh. Based on this research, they recommend that D. sissoo be planted in mixed plantations with other native and non-native species that maximize the benefits to rural farmers in Bangladesh.