Development and Management
of
Seed Production Areas
Khongsak Pinyopusarerk
CSIRO/Ensis-Genetics
Canberra, Australia
Why not just collect seed out of
plantations?
zWe may not know the genetic
origin of the plantation – it could
be inferior, or the genetic base too
narrow
zNo selective thinning to remove
inferior trees in the plantation
zThe inferior trees contribute their
pollen to the other, better trees in
the plantation, lowering seed
quality
zBecause the trees are growing at
close spacing, flowering may be
poor, resulting in inbreeding and
poor genetic quality of seed
Seed Production Area
zSeed production area is a stand
developed and managed specifically for
seed production purpose.
zTwo ways to develop seed production
area:
– Develop from existing planted stand
– Develop from specially planted new stand
Existing stand suitable for conversion
to seed production area
zKnown seed origin
zTrees are mature but not too old
zNear full stocking and good
phenotypes
zNo pests or diseases
zProven capacity to flower and set
seed
zEasily accessible
zNot subject to commercial
harvesting in near future
zConversion to seed production
area by selective thinning
Stand not suitable for conversion to
seed production area
Very poor plantations with
evidence of disease attack