Preserving valuable genetic resources from superior tree forests

In the forest of Luong Thinh Forestry Experimental Station (under the Forestry Science Center of the North Central Region) in Luong Thinh commune, there are flat oak trees and ginger re trees about 20 years old, standing straight, with strong growth, standing out in the forest. These are outstanding trees that are considered treasures to store precious genetic resources, nurturing future forests.

In September, we were led by the staff of Luong Thinh Forestry Experiment Station to visit the forest. Following the newly poured concrete road, walking for about 10 minutes, we came across nearly 20-year-old flat oak trees, standing proudly in the middle of the forest. On the tree trunks, numbers were carefully marked - the identification signs of superior trees that were strictly selected to preserve and propagate for the new generation of forest.

Not only flat oak, ginger re trees planted in this area have balanced canopy, strong growth and development are also selected as dominant trees. Ginger re is a key tree species of forestry, both for timber and as a protective tree, widely planted throughout the country.

In the seed forest, trees with outstanding diameter and strong vitality are selected as parent trees to provide high quality seeds for afforestation work.

Mr. Le Viet Tho, Director of the Forestry Science Center of the North Central Region, said: The selected dominant trees must be at least 25% larger in diameter and 10% taller than the surrounding population. Each species must select at least 50 trees to build a seed forest, as a basis for seed collection and breeding later.

Thanks to the quality genetic resources, planted forests will produce higher timber productivity, shorten the exploitation time, and have greater economic value. This is the strategic direction for the forestry industry to both develop the economy and protect the environment.

Mr. Le Viet Tho, Director of the North Central Region Forestry Science Center

Seedling forests not only create a source of uniform, high-yield seeds, but also have a special significance in preserving the precious genetic resources of native tree species. Each selected superior tree is the crystallization of a long-term natural selection process, with good resistance and high adaptability. Such propagation will help the future planted forests to be green and sustainable.

Mr. Pham Quang Tien, technical officer of the North Central Forestry Science Center, shared: We survey, select trees with outstanding morphology and growth, identify outstanding trees for selection, monitor, and collect seeds for propagation. After evaluating and testing the seed source, it will be the basis for recommending people and forest planting enterprises to choose the right good varieties, suitable for each ecological region.

The forest area managed by the Center is nearly 340 hectares wide and is preserving many valuable and precious forest tree varieties for seed production for forest planting such as: flat oak, lat, phay hon, xoan dao, re ginger... Along with the work of selecting varieties, the task of protecting the forest in Luong Thinh is also given top priority.

Mr. Bui Van Lam, a forest protection officer at the Experimental Station, said: We regularly patrol, especially during the hot season, to prevent and fight fires. When there is a risk, we must detect it early and handle it right away to prevent it from spreading. In addition, we also monitor pests and diseases and spray pesticides promptly when detected to prevent them from spreading to other trees.

According to Mr. Lam, the awareness of local people is also a strong "shield" for the forest. People understand that the seed forest is the source of water and livelihood, so everyone respects and preserves it. "People here do not cut down these precious trees because they realize that the forest is the lifeblood of the village" - Mr. Lam shared.

Sharing the same thought with Mr. Lam, Mr. Dinh Khac Huyen, a resident of Luong Thinh commune, confided: The seed forest is very important to us. The source of drinking water and domestic water for households in this area all comes from here, so everyone is determined to preserve and protect the forest. This superior forest, if well cared for and protected, will be a green lung, regulating the climate and preserving the precious genetic resources of native tree species.

From the forest with many outstanding trees at Luong Thinh Station, seeds of flat oak, ginger re, white canarium, flower lat… continue to be planted in production forests throughout the country.

The superior trees selected and cared for at Luong Thinh Forestry Experimental Station are an investment for a green future, preserving valuable genetic resources, and expanding native forest planting sources to restore forests. The superior trees will become the “parents” of tens of thousands of young trees, contributing to greening bare land, preventing erosion, regulating the climate, ensuring biodiversity and providing a stable source of livelihood for the people.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/giu-nguon-gen-quy-tu-rung-cay-troi-post883087.html