Propagating Eucalyptus species- recommendations for smallholders in the Philippines

Since the recent emergence of an attractive market-driven demand for fast-growing timber trees in the Philippines, a great number of small upland farmers are moving into the production of timber trees as a major self-financed enterprise (Garrity and Mercado 1994). Smallholder strategies for the propagation and establishment of trees are diverse. Easy-to-propagate trees such as Gmelina arborea Roxb. and Swietenia macrophylla King. are being extensively planted by direct sowing or transplanting wild seedlings. Propagation of small-seeded trees, such as Eucalyptus species, require extra-care during the early stages of propagation involving the establishment of household or small-scale nurseries. Although much information already exists on the propagation of the most commonly used fast-growing timber trees, there is lack of knowledge and proper information regarding the production of quality planting stock under the circumstances of smallholders. The case of Eucalyptus deglupta Blume., a species indigenous to the Philippines, sets a good example. Although highly appreciated by farmers for its fast growth, easy management (pruning) and high market value, propagation in household or small-scale nurseries has been very limited, mainly due to farmers’ inability to prevent and control the occurrence of pest and diseases during early stages of propagation. This paper was written in response to the many inquires received from Filipino farmers, extension agents and NGO workers on how to raise Eucalyptus seedlings, in particular Eucalyptus deglupta, with locally available and low-cost materials. Our objective was twofold: (1) to test the suitability of inexpensive local materials readily available to smallholders, and (2) to devise simple, farmer-appropriate recommendations for easy propagation of these species at minimum cost. Our starting point for investigating both objectives was the advice of the nursery caretaker at the PICOP Resources Inc. in Surigao and the experiences of our staff and farmers in household, community and researcher-managed nurseries. The procedures described are not the only possible and should be modified according to local conditions.

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