Provision of Quality Seedlings

maJoR fUnCTIon of ThE PLanTaTIon WooD VaLUE ChaIn

Findings

The VC begins with the provision of quality seedlings of tree species. These seedlings are to be planted by POs, farmers, and IFMA/SIFMA/ PFDA tenure

holders and private landowners in Leyte. These seedlings can be grown from seeds, as well as from cuttings and/or wildlings, and are hardened before they are out-planted in open plantations. The growing and nurturing of seedlings are done in nurseries established within the island, preferably in strategic areas that are accessible to most tree farmers. In the case of POs, nurseries are strategically located, usually near the PO meeting center so that PO members can easily collect their planting materials. In the case of private tree farmers, nurseries are located beside their houses. Most family members assist in operating the farmer’s nursery.

Commercially important plantation wood species available in Leyte Island*

• Gmelina or Yemane (Gmelina arborea) • Mahogany (Swietenia macrophyla) • Antipolo (Artocarpus blancoi) • Giant Ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) • Bagalunga (Melia dubia) • Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) • Bagras (Eucalyptus deglupta) • Falcata (Paraserianthes falcataria) • Kaatoan bangkal (Anthocephalus chinensis) • Mangium (Acacia mangium)

*Identified during the interviews with farmers and validated during the workshops.

The names of the above listed planted were also in the species list provided by the DENR Regional Office in Tacloban and CENRO Maasin of registered certificate of tree plantation ownership (CTPO) holders in Southern Leyte.