Genetic conservation of tree species in Indonesian cities: Problems and prospects

Abstract

Although still a lot of pro-cons among ecologists and city landscapers on the existence of fruit trees to the city due to safety reasons, comprehensive evaluation of the fruit trees species existing in Indonesian cities is still lack. In many subtropical countries, the introduction of fruit trees to the city including public areas is increasing to stimulate society's relationship. In a developing country like Indonesia, the introduction might use to enrich the city development concept that inline with an effort to increase food security and genetic conservation program. Here, tree species available in Indonesian region was assessed, in order to develop a strategy on genetic conservation, city planning, and its future prospect. Tree pictures available on the Google Street View platform were evaluated from March to August 2019. Results showed that cities across eight regions resumed 98 fruit tree species. By species, fruit species contributed 37.58% to total tree species in the city. Within a city, fruit species were available in city parks, public facilities, and along the road in both road island and roadside. Common species grew along traffic roads, sidewalks, and city parks included large-sized fruits such as avocado, breadfruit, coconut, durian, jackfruit, and mango trees. In the absence of special parks, about 40-60% of fruit species were available along the road, regardless of road class, indicated the importance of fruit trees in Indonesian cities. Some issues related to the existence of fruit trees should be considered including tree disturbance, safety issues, selection, and stakeholder awareness. The number of fruit tree species decreased by 66.67% by increasing the city population from small to large cities. In the future, it is interesting to evaluate fruit trees distribution in the city in relation to city characteristics, pollution control, climate stability, genetic conservation and citizen appreciation as part of smart city projects.