SLOW GROWTH AS A METODS TO ENSURE CONTINUOUS SUPPLY OF PLANTING METERIALS FOR RECALCITRANT SEEDED SPECIES

In the half past century, many different methods of storage have been propose for dipterocarp seed and other recalcitrant seed species , but without exception their use has been unsuccessful. At best and with the latest developments these seed can be hardly be stored for a year. In a majority of cases seed viability is only for a week or so. In this paper the storage and physiological of observation and germinates seed of some recalcitrant species are reported . the germinated seed can be stored as slow growing seedlings for periods from three month to two years in a specially built camber having a temperature of 16 , relative humidity !"#$ of %&' and with four hour photoperiod of (&& lux intensity provided by flourescent light .the procedure discussed in this paper thought does not offer a long term storage strategy for these wet tropical recalcitrant species) nevertheless it offer the options to provide planting materials on a continuous basis until the next seasons of seed setting. Introduction In considering seed handling , it is important to be aware or the sources of seed and the seed *uality . +any benefit s flow from the use of better *uality seed selected and handled optimally ) advantages included the improved survival of seedlings and greater commercial returns. #owever, method to ensure supply of high *uality seed not as advanced for dipterocarps as for other forest species such as pines and eucalyptus. ,he primary problem is seed supply and this factor is a major constraint in dipterocarps forest management. ,hus , in lack of seeds in sufficient *uantity and *uality has discouraged the of seedling in the nursery and direct sowing in the field. -roblem with dipterocarp seeds ,he majority of dipterocarp do not flower regularly . In the aseasonal .ones flowering occurs at intervals of two or five years and its accurate prediction is impossible. /onse*uently it is difficult to plan major planting activities . even in flowering years interference by drought can cause premature fruit drop. 0n the other hand flowering is generally on an annual basis in the seasonal climatic .ones so that planting seed collection in this area is easer. Although seed productions can vary between years in particular place, forester can make more secure plants by continuous monitoring of areas earmarked for seed supply. A second problem in practice is the life span of dipterocarp fruits ) most species have short1lived 2recalcitrans3 seed. If seed collectors do not harvest mature seed and sow it immediately ,a proportion will soon become nonviable. ,he periods between collections and sowing should thus generally be as short a possible. In practice , reports of fruiting are often received at a short notice) thus In order to produce dipterocarp seedlings, a collections team has to be hastily prepared for collections, transport and sowing in the nursery. 4ew agencies can liaise these activities efficiently.