Information on Forest Science and Technology Number 1 2002

Summaries of papers in the bulletin; for more information contact info@fsiv.org.vn


Physiological characteristics of Michelia mediocris seed and method of storage

(Nguyen Huy Son and Nguyen Tuan Hung)

Michelia mediocris Dandy is one of the main forest plantation species in Vietnam. M. mediocris seed rapidly loses its ability to germinate. Research on seed physiological characteristics and storage of this species is badly needed.

Research results show that mean weight of a seed is 258 x 55 mg and 1 kg of seed contains about 3383—4514 seeds (average 3868 seeds). M. mediocris seed is moisture tolerant – the best moisture content of the seeds in storage is 28—33.6%, ambient moisture, 5—15%. The lower the moisture content of the seed, the faster its ability to germinate is lost, especially at room temperature. With a moisture content of 9.25%, the seed loses its ability to germinate straightaway, with a moisture content of 15%, the ability to germinate is lost within a month. At room temperature the seed’s ability to germinate is also totally lost in the 3rd — 6th month, even though air moisture content is high (20—33.6%).


Evaluation of the status of natural forest in Tu Ne, Tan Loc, Hoa Binh

(Hoang Van Thang)

Evaluation of forest in Tu Ne, Tan Lac, Hoa Binh shows that forest in this region has been exploited to depletion. Only average-sized and small trees remain. Forest structure is impaired, forest coverage is slow, species composition is complex and regeneration is simple. The desirable and dominant species are Ormosia balansae, Lithocarpus gigantopy and Prunus arborea.


The condition of forest in the Cau River catchment upstream region and recommended measures for its quality improvement against water source degradation and depletion

(Ngo Dinh Que)

Based on a survey and study, a strategic plan to protect and exploit the Cau River resource for 2001—2010. Using integrated research and a classification of upstream forest developed by the FAO and applied in Thailand combined with procedures of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and support of GIS, the upstream area of the Cau River was divided into highly critical, critical and less critical regions and calculations were carried out to determine the level of catchment forest planting and forest rehabilitation required. Preliminary recommendations are made of some technical, organizational and policy measures to prevent the depletion of water sources of the Cau River.


Effect of light regime on growth of Endospermum chinense seedlings at the nursery stage

(Dang Thinh Trieu)

After highlighting the important role of light in the growth and development of planted trees, the paper briefly reviews this subject. The paper gives reasons why research is needed on the effect of light on Endospermum chinense seedlings and describes the research method and the results obtained. It draws the conclusion that height and total dry weight of the seedlings are greatest with a 20% reduction in light intensity.


Preliminary study of some ecological characteristics of Xylia xylocarpa and the possibility of planting it in provinces of South Vietnam

(Vuong Huu Nhi)

This paper describes research on the natural distribution, soil characteristics and species composition of the population, dominant species and growth of Xylia xylocarpa in provinces of South Vietnam. Results show that this is an indigenous, multi-purpose species, highly promising for forest regeneration, rehabilitation and afforestation in the provinces of South Central Vietnam, Eastern South Vietnam and the Central Highlands.


Contribution to the supply of planting stock for high productivity of some important forest plantation species

(Ha Huy Thinh)

Shifting from exploitation of natural forests to management of forest plantations is a necessary trend around the world, including in Vietnam.

The most intensive research that has previously been conducted in Vietnam has focused on species such as eucalypts, acacias, pines and melaleuca. These species have been studied for planting in large areas.

As a result of research into tree improvement, more than 40 genetically improved cultivars of the abovementioned species have been package transferred to a large number of production units and this has significantly contributed to enhancing forest plantation productivity.

In order to improve forest plantation productivity in Vietnam, it is recommended that more nurseries be set up, equipped with advanced technology such as cutting propagation and plant tissue culture facilities, particularly for regions with large reforestation areas. As well, research into silviculture and tree breeding need to be strengthened.


A survey to evaluate demand for firewood and the possible balance between firewood supply and demand in Na Land and Na Co hamlets, Khang Ninh commune, Ba Be, Bac Kan Province

The supply of firewood is an urgent problem for many cities in Vietnam and overseas. Results of a survey in two hamlets – Na Lang and Na Co – in the buffer zone of Ba Be National Park show that there is a high demand for firewood. A household needs 25—30 kg of firewood per day and person needs 5 cubic metres a year of which 28% is for cooking, 30% for preparing animal feed, 25% for alcohol distillation and 17% for heating. To achieve a balance between firewood demand and supply a package of measures, including seeking firewood substitutes, thrifty use of firewood, promotion of forest and scattered tree planting and good policies, is needed.


Diseases of Acacia mangium in Da The State Forest Enterprise, Lam Dong province – cause and some control measures

(Pham Quang Thu)

In recent years a disease has appeared that causes damage to tree stems and branches, resulting in cracking and peeling of bark, tree tops wilting and trees dying. The trees were broken at the site of fungal attack, 1/5—1/4 of the tree length from the top. In an area of 118.5 ha the proportion of damaged trees was more than 90%. The pathological fungus has been identified as Corticum salmonicolor Berk & Br of the Corticiaceae family which causes pink disease. Pink disease is usually found on planted trees in regions with high rainfall and usually occurs in the rainy season. Both stages of the pathological fungus infect the tree. The basidiospores and the conidia (vegetative reproduction) travel by wind and water. To control the disease, young forests are sprayed with Bordeaux mixture in the early stages of the diesease and resistant provenances are selected for vulnerable sites.


World market for woodchips

(Phan Lan)

Woodchips are the main raw material for paper and composite board industries. World consumption of paper and composite board continues to increase so demand for woodchips is rapidly increasing. Woodchips from hardwood forest plantations will gradually replace woodchips from natural forests. In Asia, Japan is the largest importer of woodchips, from a number of different sources. Countries that are capable of forest plantation development and have competitive production costs will have the opportunity to enter this market. China is another large market and Vietnam has an opportunity to compete in this field.

Melaleuca leucadendron L. planting technique (Vietnamese version only)

Hibiscus sabdariffa planting technique (Vietnamese version only)

Diversity of species and forest destruction in Mexico (Vietnamese version only)

A method for assessment of firewood sources (Vietnamese version only)

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