A review of dipterocarps - Center for International Forestry Research

Seed Handling 85
4. Means to store germinated seeds as seedlings should
be assessed.
Relevant Institutions with their
Strengths and Potential Contributions
A national pattern of involvement in seed handling
activities is given below, using the example of Peninsular
Malaysia. This structure may not apply in other
dipterocarp countries, but elements of it may be relevant.
To carry out the tasks of procuring material for the
planting programmes, there is the need for the close
networking of the particular agencies involved. These can
include the Forest Department of Peninsular Malaysia
(FD), FRIM, and the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC).
Other relevant agencies are the Agricultural University
of Malaysia (UPM), the ASEAN Forest Tree Seed Centre
(AFTSC) and the private sector.
Institutions with involvement in dipterocarp seed
research in other countries are referred to in the Seed
Physiology chapter.
Forest Department of Peninsular Malaysia
The FD consists of the Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur
and 10 State Forest Departments located throughout the
territory. The headquarters is responsible for planning,
operational studies and development of the forestry
sector as well as provision of technical advice and
services and the provision of training facilities for the
forest industry. The State Forest Departments are
entrusted with the management of the forest in the
respective states.
The role of the Forest Department in the seed and
plant procurement programmes may include:
1. assessing plant demand for the each planting activity;
2. providing areas in the forest for seed collection;
3. providing manpower to be trained in carrying out
phenological studies, monitoring development and
collection of seeds at maturity;
4. allowing upgrade of state nurseries for large-scale
plant production; and
5. providing the manpower for planting and subsequent
maintenance of the planted areas.
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
FRIM is a statutory research body with the mandate to
promote and improve the sustainable development of
forest resources and their industrial uses through
research, development and application activities.
The purpose of FRIM is to develop appropriate
knowledge and technology for the conservation,
management, development and utilisation of forest
resources. Excellence in scientific research and
development, and technology transfer to the forestry
sector is also pursued.
FRIM is the research arm to the Forest Department;
its role in the seed programme is:
1. providing technical expertise in tree selection, phenological
monitoring, and seed collection;
2. seed handling, nursery techniques (including vegetative
propagation techniques), setting up of seed orchards,
seed testing, and the documentation and certification
of storage details;
3. assisting in the development of a programme for seed
and plant procurement; and
4. making available its international contacts for the
improvement of the seed and plant procurement programme.
Malaysian Timber Council
MTC has the mission to promote the development of
timber-based industry and to facilitate trade in timber
within Malaysia. Among the objectives of MTC are to
promote the rehabilitation of degraded forests and to
encourage the reforestation of logged-out areas.
The role MTC can play to enhance the seed
programme is in:
1. becoming an investment arm of the seed and plant
procurement programme; and
2. assuming a role in the rehabilitation of degraded forests
on a privatised basis.
Agricultural University Malaysia
The Faculty of Forestry of UPM is responsible for
producing trained manpower in all aspects of the forestry
sector.
The Faculty of Forestry could, as a teaching and
research unit, contribute to the seed programme by:
1. providing scientists trained in the fields of seed and
plant procurement;
2. disseminating research information related to seed
programmes; and
3. providing training (short courses in forestry) to upgrade
the skills of those involved in the seed programme.