Improved Tree seed Production Manual

Abstract

Plantation forestry resources are managed for the production of both timber and non-timber forestry products (NTFPs). The quality of these end-products is determined by both the quality of the germplasm used in the initial establishment of the plantations and the management practices applied to the planted trees. Broadly, two types of planting materials are used to establish plantations: seeds (sexual reproduction) and vegetative material (asexual reproduction). Regardless of which type of germplasm is used, however, various tree breeding operations need to be followed the planted forestry resources are to see sustainable improvements in both growth and wood quality. The development of tree breeding activity guidelines can help stakeholders involved in establishing research infrastructures apply standardised procedures which will guarantee that they meet their research objectives.