The Philippines has yet to establish large-scale tree plantations with high wood productivity and high quality. In 2013, local log production was only pegged at 1.2 million cubic meters, a significantly lower figure compared in the 70s, when log production sourced from natural forests exceeded 10 million cubic meters annually.
Currently, the source of domestic logs was from tree plantations, indicating that natural forests have dwindled considerably. Moreover, in terms of forest change, the country has increased by only 55,000 ha while Vietnam showed an increase of almost 207,000 ha.
To address this challenge, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) has funded several projects to infuse innovative science and technology into log production.
Initially, seeds were collected from mother trees with good form and growth traits that were subsequently marketed to tree farmers through the Mindanao Tree Seed Center (MTSC). Active promotion on the use of these selected seeds was achieved through extension works and demonstration farms in local farmers’ land.
Results of this initial activity showed better seed germination, higher seedling survival, faster growth, and resistance to pests and diseases.
Selection of superior genetic materials of yemane and falcata commenced recently. Yemane is valued by the furniture industry while falcata is widely used by the veneer and plywood industry. The value of yemane log trade in 2013 was estimated at US$24 million while falcata was almost at US$115 million.
National seed collection of the two abovementioned species will be made within the next three years and subsequently established in field trials. The field trials will be developed in target plantation sites, particularly in Northern Philippines for yemane and in Southern Philippines for falcata, to assess the performance of the various seed sources.
To enrich the local seed sources, project implementers are planning a seed exchange scheme with the native sources of yemane and falcate. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Yunnan and Guangxi provinces in China will be the source of yemane seeds. Meanwhile, Moluccas, Papua New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands will be the native sources of falcata.
The genetic population structure and diversity of yemane and falcata will be studied simultaneously. The information generated will help guide tree breeders on their genetic breadth. Subsequent gene-trait studies will improve the selection intensity of the species.
The established field trials can be converted in the future as seedling seed orchards after the removal of inferior tree families. This will subsequently increase the level of improvement in the genetic quality of the seeds that could be marketed in outlets like the MTSC or future seed centers in Luzon and Visayas. Consequently, when coupled with proper plantation site selection and intensive plantation cultural management, tree farmers can expect increase in wood yields and improvement in wood quality, thus more forests restored with more trees and better wood.
Innovative science and technology in log production is one of the many PCAARRD’s initiatives in connection with its commitment to Outcome Oneto provide science-based know-how and tools that will enable the agricultural sectore to raise productivity to world class standards.
PCAARRD will once more showcase this commitment during the Council’s participation to the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) on July 24-28 at SMX Mall of Asia, Pasay City.
“Outcome One serves as DOST’s blueprint towards alleviating poverty in the agriculture and aquatic sectors as part of the government’s social contract with our people,” said DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo in his message during one of the events of the Council.
The 2015 NSTW adopts the theme Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global competitiveness.
PCAARRD, on the other hand, adopts the theme Strategic Industry S&T Program for Agri-Aqua Growth (SIPAG) ni Juan to bolster PCAARRD’s commitment to Outcome One which the Council pursues, through its Industry Strategic S&T Program, hence the tagline SIPAG ni Juan.