S & T interventions on quality planting material production of Batikuling (Litsea leytensis Merr.) for the wood-based industry of Paete, Laguna, Philippines

Abstract

The production of high quality planting stocks should not be dependent on the volume and seasonal availability of the seeds of the target forest tree species to be planted. Adopting a scientific way of producing and conserving indigenous forest trees for agroforestry could prevent the use of inferior planting materials. Quality planting material production of a threatened indigenous forest tree species like Batikuling (Litsea leytensis Merr.) is necessary to increase its declining population in forestlands. Wood of Batikuling is used in Paete, Laguna for carving statues, architectural additions, and souvenirs that are known in the country and the world. With the existing clonal forestry facility of Southern Luzon State University, the tree species was produced through vegetative reproduction and raised in a nursery adopting the tested protocol. The process will assure the production of the needed volumes of quality planting stocks at any time of the year without waiting for the flowering or fruiting of forest trees in the wild. The project encouraged greater participation from the local government unit, tree farmers and youth as they showcased their contribution in conserving this important indigenous tree species to increase economic productivity while securing sustainability of ecological services.