VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION TO ASSURE A CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF PLANT MATERIAL FOR FOREST REHABILITATION
Aldrianto Priadjati, Willy T.M. Smits and G. Wim Tolkamp
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ABSTRACT
Species of the Dipterocarp family dominate the canopy of the tropical rain forests in the lowlands of Kalimantan, Indonesia. Many species are economically very important and, as a consequence, are threatened by logging activities. Enrichment planting after logging with dipterocarp species is feasible and ecologically acceptable. The species choice depends on the goals of the forest manager.
A continuous supply of plant material is needed for plantation activities, forest rehabilitation and reforestation.
Unfortunately, continuous availability of dipterocarp seeds is hampered by unpredictable fruiting seasons, irregular fruiting (only once in 4 to 13 years), recalcitrance of the seeds and fretting by insects and other animals. Collection of wildlings may help to solve the problem only during the first two years after the fruiting season. |
The MoFEC-Tropenbos Kalimantan Project at the Wanariset Samboja Research Station has been developing methods for vegetative propagation of dipterocarp species since 1987. By using these methods, planting stock can now be produced continuously. In this paper, the main research results will be discussed.
Concession holders and other forest institutions have sent personnel to the Wanariset for training courses to learn these vegetative propagation methods for application in their forest concessions. This training programme has been running since 1993. An evaluation of the effects of the introduction of these vegetative propagation techniques and the training programme is recommended.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The main conclusions which can be drawn from the propagation research are:
· The Wanariset research has resulted in the development of a successful rooting and mycorrhizal inoculation technology making possible the efficient production of planting stock for forest rehabilitation and reforestation with dipterocarp species, independent of the availability of seeds and wildlings.
· The vegetative propagation of dipterocarps through stem cuttings, as developed at the Wanariset Research Station, is feasible and generally accepted and applied by forest concession holders throughout Indonesia
In order to improve the propagation technology and contribute further to the conservation, rehabilitation and sustainable management of the dipterocarp forest in Indonesia we recommend:
· further integrated research, including genetic improvement
· increased research input; in terms of both personnel and resources
· updated manuals
· evaluation, updating and increase in training courses
· monitoring of participants of training courses
· monitoring the introduction and application of the technology in the forestry sector
· improved co-operation between institutions
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