A review of dipterocarps - Center for International Forestry Research

Plantations 153
on silvics and silviculture of many high quality timber
tree species that have been planted in Malaysia. On present
knowledge, the most promising dipterocarp plantation
species for Peninsular Malaysia are: Anisoptera laevis,
A. scaphula, Dipterocarpus baudii, D. costulatus, D.
kerrii, Dryobalanops aromatica, Hopea odorata, Shorea
acuminata, S. leprosula, S. macrophylla, S. macroptera,
S. ovalis, S. parvifolia, S. platyclados (Wyatt-Smith
1963b, Zuhaidi and Weinland 1994, Darus et al. 1994).
Darus et al. (1994) carried out plus tree selection for
Shorea leprosula and S. parvifolia, identified a seed
production area for S. lepidota and included several other
dipterocarps in a clonal selection programme and field
tests.
Sarawak embarked on plantations of dipterocarps
in the 1920s by planting Shorea macrophylla. While such
plantings were pursued on a small scale until 1975
(Kendawang 1995), the state commenced large-scale
plantings of dipterocarps in 1979 after disappointing
results were obtained from research on exotic fastgrowing
species (Mok 1994). Dipterocarp plantations are
established within the Reforestation Programme for
Permanent Forest Estates on areas degraded by shifting
cultivation (Kendawang 1995). About 4940 ha have been
planted on an operational scale with Shorea species of
the pinanga group, especially Shorea macrophylla
(Kendawang 1995). These plantings are based on a
species-site matching procedure (e.g., Butt and Sia 1982,
Ting 1986).
In Sabah, dipterocarp plantations have, with the
exception of the enrichment plantings under the Innoprise-
Face Foundation Rainforest Rehabilitation Project
(Moura-Costa 1993, Moura-Costa and Lundoh 1993,
1994), only been established on an experimental scale.
Until 1994 about 700 ha had been planted within the Face
Foundation Project. Dipterocarp species used are:
Dipterocarpus spp., Dryobalanops lanceolata, Hopea
nervosa, Parashorea malaanonan, Shorea argentifolia,
S. johorensis, S. leprosula, S. macrophylla, S. ovalis and
S. parvifolia. The plantation target is 25 000 ha.
In Indonesia, the establishment of experimental
plantations (e.g., Darmaga, Haurbentes, Pasir Hantap,
Purbah Tongah and Sangau) started at the end of the 40s
(Butarbutar 1986, Masano 1991, Masano et al. 1987,
Masano and Alrasjid 1991, Omon 1986). Apart from these
experimental plantations, planting of dipterocarps was
mainly enrichment planting in the concession areas and
regularly carried out in the state-owned concession
INHUTANI II in South Kalimantan (Mok 1994). Now,
the Indonesian Selective Cutting and Planting System
prescribes reforesting all logged areas and since the
beginning of the 90s large-scale cutting propagation is
carried out. Research on dipterocarps has covered a wide
field ranging from seed procurement and testing (e.g.,
Masano 1988a, b, Syamsuwida and Kurniaty 1989),
vegetative plant propagation (e.g., Smits 1987, 1993,
Umboh et al. 1988), plantation stock trials (e.g., Wardani
et al. 1987 Siagian et al. 1989b), mycorrhizal symbiosis
(e.g., Smits 1982, Santoso et al. 1989, Santoso 1991) to
agroforestry problems (e.g., Kartawinata and Satjapradja
1983, Sardjono 1990). It appears that no specific tree
improvement programme for dipterocarps has been
initiated (Sunarya 1994). Dipterocarp species which
received attention were: Dipterocarpus grandiflorus, D.
retusus, D. tempehes, Dryobalanops lanceolata, Hopea
bancana, H. mengerawan, H. odorata, H. sangal, Shorea
guiso, S. johorensis, S. leprosula, S. macrophylla, S.
mecistopteryx, S. multiflora, S. ovalis, S. palembanica,
S. parvifolia, S. pauciflora, S. pinanga, S. platyclados, S.
selanica, S. seminis and S. smithiana. Recently, a manual
for the dipterocarp light hardwoods for Borneo Island
has been compiled by Newman et al. (1996).
In the Philippines first research efforts on dipterocarp
plantation problems commenced in the 30s (e.g., Caguioa
1938, Lantion 1938). The research work continues (e.g.,
Anon. 1982, 1991). Some experimental plantations were
established and private companies participated in the
plantation programmes (e.g., Notonton 1985).
Underplanting was carried out in Benguet pine
plantations (Anon. 1960) with success. Enrichment
planting was rarely done with dipterocarps, but with fastgrowing
exotic trees species such as Paraserianthes
falcataria. Underplanting and enrichment planting trials
with dipterocarps started late (Chinte 1982, Mauricio
1987a, Abalus et al. 1991). Emphasis of research was on
germination trials (e.g., Basada 1979, Garcia et al. 1983),
seedling trials (e.g., Bruzon and Serna 1980, Gianan and
Peregrino 1986), use of wildings as planting stock (e.g.,
Lantion 1938, Penonia 1972), planting trials (e.g.,
Tomboc and Basada 1978, Miyazaki 1989). Agpaoa et
al. (1976) provided valuable information on planting
techniques. A tree improvement programme for
dipterocarps has been launched which includes seed
production area and plus tree selection, establishment of
clonal gardens and gene conservation (Rosario and
Abarquez 1994). Promising dipterocarp plantation species