Assessment of seed distribution, dissemination and diffusion pathways of priority tree plantation species in the Philippines

The study was conducted to understand and document the state of the country's seeds sources, the origins of priority forest trees seeds, the system of seed distribution, dissemination and diffusion of priority tree plantation in the Philippines. It also tried to characterized and analyzed the major forest tree seed sources, seed producers and dealers of priority plantation species and their system of seed collection/acquisition system, processing, handling, storage and distribution practices. In the process, the seed quality and quantity supplied by the seed sources were evaluated as well as the phenotypic characteristics of the seed trees where the seeds were collected. Based from the results, a modification of the guideline for plus seed collection was proposed. Data were collected using document reviews, field surveys and interviews. The study also revealed that a considerable number of seed sources surveyed are distributed in three major islands of the country, located mostly in Mindanao. While there are seed sources that are easy to access, a limited number can be considered of phenotypically good quality due to absence of rouguing. The study also revealed five major categories of the tree seed producers, distributors and suppliers' sources and four major seed pathway linkages from the origins and primary seeds sources to the various end-users. Likewise, the study also revealed five industrial tree plantation (ITP) species with the most number of seed sources surveyed, namely: yemane (Gmelina arborea Roxb.); mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King); mangium (Acacia mangium Willd.). bagras (Eucalytus deglupta Blume.); narra (Pterocarpus indicus Willd.) The origins and movement pathways of seeds of these species proved to be difficult to trace due to poor documentation or complete absence of records of trees planted many years ago. Evaluations done on the seed trees of seeds stands revealed a mixture of straight, semi-straight and crooked trees. Pollen from bad trees continues to contaminate the good trees thus; seed collected from the plus trees are not 100% of good phenotype. On this basis, a revision to the existing plus tree selection guidelines is put forward. Results of the seed collection, processing and storage and testing practices of the seed sources revealed the need of improvements in the area of tools and equipment, which affects seed quality. Results and recommendations of the study will serve as among the basis for addressing concerns on seed quality to support forestation and future tree improvement initiatives in the country.