Domestication of jungle tree spcesiec for multipurpose uses
1998
Saamin, S. | Razali Rahman (Malaysia Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Serdang, G.P.O. 12301, 50774 Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia))
The hearths of plant domestication were likely to be found in the tropics where there were great diversity of flora and fauna for the hunter-fisher gatherers to survive upon and experiment with. Where the temperate and tropical zones meet, such as in South China and Indochina, one would expect floral enrichment as a result of intermingling of plants of different climatic adaptations. The diversity of plant species in the tropical forests and backyards should be the hunting grounds for new domesticates. Although, a few of the wild tree species have been exploited commercially for their products, interest on their production subsequently dwindled after being out-competed by better substitutes. if the rate of conservation and purposeful domestication is too slow then the chance of losing the genetic diversity will be higher especially under the present trend of industrialisation and urbanisation. In this observation, growth performance of a number of jungle tree species such as Dyera costulata (jelutong), Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut), Scaphium affine (kembang semangkok), Durio spp. and six others useful for their timber, latex, fruits, and further breeding needs, planted in various observation plots are presented.
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