PNG is a land of great biodiversity, with more than 400 000 plant species. About 60% of the country is forested, and most of this land is owned by thousands of clan-based groups. However, the growing human population, forest clearance for palm oil plantations, and the government's desire to earn revenue by exporting logs, all threaten the native forest and its biological resources. Current logging practices are not sustainable, and unless they change there will be a gradual decline in economic and social amenity as the available area and diversity of the forest dwindles.
Despite the country's largely fertile soils, advantageous climate and many suitable tree species, little land (only about 60 000 ha) is devoted to plantation forestry of native trees. The country is now recognising that future development of the forestry industry will depend on expanding its plantations. Furthermore, existing plantations are based on a limited number of indigenous species from the genera Acacia, Araucaria and Eucalyptus.
The broad aim of the project was to develop domestication processes and germplasm conservation strategies for selected PNG forest species, in order to improve the long-term economic and social benefits for rural communities and the country as a whole.
The project benefited from the skills of the Australian Tree Seed Centre and CSIRO Forestry, with their vast experience in seed collection, assessment and domestication of trees in the region. They worked in partnership with PNG's Forest Research Institute (FRI) and National Forestry Service. The project comprised five components. The first assessed the results from existing and earlier trials of PNG's lesser known species. Four high value species (Toona ciliata, Santalum macgregorii, and one species each from the genera Agathis and Calophyllum) were targeted for seed collection and field trials. T. ciliata was also studied to assess its genetic variation.
The second component developed conservation strategies for two indigenous species linked to the domestication process. The scientists collected information from local communities, as well as studying biogeographical features of the species. The team also established an ex situ conservation stand for the selected Agathis species.
The third component focused on testing mass propagation techniques for the four targeted species, and on assessing vegetative and seed propagation and storage for a range of 20 other species. Results were published in a booklet.
Developing human resources was the focus of the fourth component. Training needs were identified and provided mainly within PNG. The fifth component concentrated on ways to upgrade the scientific infrastructure and equipment in PNG, to facilitate both this project and future work.
In the study on domestication of indigenous species all available files on different trials established by FRI were centrally located into a filing system. A database containing summary information on all the trials was established with capacity to enter future trials. From an initial list of over 50 trials, a total of 31 were actually measured across the country. Several non-FRI trials were also measured. The data from these trials were analysed, but did not reveal any reliable information from which commercial management decisions could be made; this also meant no recommendations about specific species.
Five provenance/progeny trials were established, representing the four domestication species (Calophyllum euryphyllum, Dracontomelon dao (New Guinea walnut), Pometia pinnata (taun) and Casuarina oligodon). Seedlings used were raised from seed collected from a range of provenances - five per species. In addition to the above trials another species trial comprising over 20 species was established in the grounds of the Lae Botanical Gardens. The seedlings used to establish the trial came from the seed handling work undertaken by the NTSC staff.
An Acacia mangium seed production area (SPA) of 2 ha was established at Wasap, Madang based on a bulk seedlot of 62 families selected from trials of PNG and Queensland seed sources planted in Queensland. An A. mangium gain trial was also established in close proximity to the SPA at Wasap, to compare the genetic performance of the seed used to establish the SPA with four other PNG seed sources. A publication titled 'Report on Field Trials Established by the PNG FRI between 2000 & 2003' provides details on the nine field trials established under the project.
Isozyme studies carried out on nine populations of Toona originating from PNG, Australia and Bangladesh revealed unexpectedly low levels of genetic diversity across the range of populations.
The research team wrote conservation and management strategies for sandalwood (Santalum macgregorii) and eaglewood (Gyrinops ledermannii). As part of preparing these strategies, opinion was sought from communities associated with the distribution of both species. Industry views were also taken into account in developing the strategies.
An ex situ conservation stand of sandalwood was established in the grounds of the Lae Botanical Gardens, represented by six parent trees plus a bulk. Poor seed set from the natural wild trees, poor germination and losses during the nursery stage resulted in insufficient genetic material being represented in the stand.
Hedge row plants were established at FRI for the four domestication species, in order to provide easy access to juvenile growth material desirable for taking cuttings. Cutting techniques were applied to the four domestication species. Successful results were achieved for taun, yar and walnut, but limited success was achieved with calophilum.
Phenological studies covering timing of flowering and fruiting were carried out on over 25 species, following which seed collections were undertaken where possible. The team conducted studies on three model rainforest species to assess seed characteristics (moisture content, desiccation tolerance) and their influence on seed storage life as part of an international project working on rainforest seed. The results of the above work are contained in the publication titled 'Seed Handling and Propagation of Papua New Guinea's Tree Species'. A second publication titled 'Seed Handling Operations Manual' was also completed.
Training was the most critical part of the project. Twenty-seven training courses were provided, engaging 133 participants who represented both project staff and other staff from within FRI and UniTech. There was also a considerable amount of 'hands on' training, and a strong focus on exchange of project staff between PNG and Australia.
Links:
[1] http://www.aciar.gov.au/country/Papua New Guinea
[2] http://www.aciar.gov.au/programarea/Forestry