Seedling Production Methods of Dipterocarps

BACKGROUND

In order to meet the need of large-scale rehabilitation and reforestation of native dipterocarp forests in Southeast Asia, this book chapter suggests that more information and experience is needed on how to collect and grow dipterocarp seedlings. The cultivation of dipterocarps can be difficult because fruiting only occurs in certain intervals; seeds are frequently eaten by rodents and insects; there is an absence of seed certification and grading; the seeds have short viability; there is a lack of animal vectors to disperse them over long distances; and the young seedlings can be sensitive to environmental factors.

Research Goals and Methods

Based on the existing literature and experiences from the Reforestation and Tropical Forest Management Project in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, the authors provide scientific information on the seed based production, wildling based production, vegetative propagation, and care of dipterocarp seedlings.

CONCLUSIONS AND TAKEAWAYS

From a germination trial, the authors found that Shoreaparvifolia, Shoreafaguetiana, and Shoreafallax had the highest germination rates in a greenhouse and under shade netting. In a study of wildlings planted in lines with overhead light, they found that survival, height, and diameter was greatest in Hopea sangal, Shorealeprosula, Shoreajohorensis, Shoreaparvifolia, and Shoreafallax. The authors stress that as vegetative propagation of dipterocarps increases, forest managers need to consciously maintain the genetic diversity of the restored dipterocarp species.