To save and restore the country’s native forests, the production of plantation-grown timber must be increased. In relation to this, a project on advancing the required knowledge and techniques for utilizing available genetic resources of tree species, as well as establishing the foundation genetic materials for long-term breeding programs was reviewed.
Program’s accomplishments, which were highlighted during the review, included the collection of 30 kilograms of falcata seeds from 253 mother trees; deployment of arrays of breeding populations across the target plantation areas and intended products; and trained teams of technicians for tree improvement technicians to support the country’s wood industry.
The project involves selecting information on the best genetic performance from seedlots collected from various sources that will eventually produce superior trees of yemane and falcata.
Dr. Tolentino envisions to develop and produce falcata and yemane trees with excellent bole form, with resistance to major pests and diseases and with shorter rotation or harvesting time.
Yemane and falcata are wood tree species known to be light and fast-growing. Yemane wood can be processed to construction materials, particularly for furniture and joinery, while falcata wood can be processed into paper, veneers, and crates.
Led by University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Professor Dr. Enrique L. Tolentino, Jr., the project aims to acquire genetic information on the breeding populations of falcata (Paraserianthes falcataria (L) Nielsen) and yemane (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) to guide future breeding and tree improvement programs. This three-year project is jointly implemented by Isabela State University (ISU) for the yemane component and Central Mindanao University (CMU) for the falcata component.
As the funding and monitoring agency, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) recently attended the end review and evaluation of the project, “Advancement of Science for the Sustainable Utilization and Conservation of Forest Genetic Resources of Falcata and Yemane,” in Bolinao, Pangasinan.
Dr. Marcelino U. Siladan, DOST-PCAARRD’s Industry Strategic S&T Program (ISP) Manager for Industrial Tree Plantations and Rubber, served as the project evaluator.
Review covered topics such as tree breeding, shortening rotation periods, and enhancing plantation production. Dr. Tolentino also emphasized the importance of identifying superior mother trees, which will undergo genetic characterization.
Project leaders and representatives/staff from the UPLB, ISU, and CMU attended the year-end review.
Implementing SUCs and agencies will submit necessary requirements and will strategize on how to sustain the project in terms of data gathering prior to its completion.