Restoration of Philippine Native Forest by Smallholder Tree Farmers - Smallholder Tree Growing for Rural Development and Environmental Services - page 318

Asexual propagation, particularly of recalcitrant species and those with seed
periodicity (e.g. dipterocarps) is a good alternative source of germplasm materials.
For example, Pollisco (2006) described propagating dipterocarps vegetatively employ-
ing IBA as rooting hormone in a non-mist sand propagating system. In another
study, cuttings of 15 dipterocarp and premium hardwood species were propagated
in a mist and non-mist system with varying degrees of success (Dimayuga and
Pader 2006). Regional offices of the Ecosystems Research and Development
Service (ERDS) have established hedge gardens of many dipterocarps and some
premium hardwoods. The main ERDB office at UPLB has a significant collection
of these species (Pollisco 2007). An emerging propagation technology for the mass
propagation of cuttings of dipterocarp is the KOFFCO system (Komatsu-FORDA
Fog Cooling system) tested for cuttings of 36 indigenous dipterocarps species in
West Java, West Kalimantan and East Kalimantan (Subiakto et al. 2005). Its possi-
ble application for the Philippine dipterocarps may be explored.
Protocols for tissue culture of ITS are having some headway with the develop-
ment of protocol for micro-propagation of bagras ( Eucalyptus deglupta ) plantlets
using explants from selected mature genotypes (Capuli and Calinawan 1999).
Another researcher has also successfully developed the mass propagation of
Endospermum peltatum Merr through tissue culture (Quimado and Umali-Garcia
1997). In Malaysia, they have successfully micropropagated Shorea leprusola
using a temporary-immersion technique, the RITA system (Kandasamy et al. 2005)
which may find possible application for the Philippine dipterocarp species.
Wildlings are another potential source of quality germplasm, but with limited
natural forests, they may be hard to find. Additionally, the possible sources of these
wildlings are located in protection forests where gathering of wildlings is strictly
regulated. For remote sources, transporting shock is a serious threat that results in
high mortality. A solution to this was developed by Pollisco (2006). Wildlings are
protected from desiccation during collection by placing them in large polyethylene
plastic bags (62 × 25 in.) with small amounts of water. Upon reaching the nursery,
the wildlings are immediately potted and placed for about two months in an airtight
wildling recovery chamber.
The policies on silvicultural treatments to existing trees in protected areas where
wildlings are collected are nebulous except for a blanket policy that no cutting or
logging is permitted. There is a necessity to revise policies to designate germplasm
production areas in protected areas where silvicultural treatments such as thinning
of competing trees, girdling and fertilization of potential mother trees are allowed,
including regulated collection of wildlings, to increase fruit and seed production.

15.4.3 Generation of Farmer-Friendly Technologies

Information and technologies about ITS are either limited, fragmented or non-
existent. This was confirmed through an analysis of available information about ITS
(Tolentino 2000b; Tolentino 2003). The comprehensive tree species selection and