Choice of tree species and possibility of genetic improvement for smallholder and community forests.

London

1980

S. 311-326

Bandaufführung

180963

Four major differences are identified, from the selection point of view, between agroforestry and industrial plantations: (1) a range of associated management regimes and agricultural crops must be considered; (2) trees are likely to be required for a wide range of products and end-uses necessitating careful character weighting; (3) the agency collecting information is not the grower, so that an extension service is needed; (4) many agroforestry species may have developed local adaptations or races, making sampling and testing more difficult. The choice of species and the possibilities of genetic improvement within species are discussed. Because many species used in agroforestry are early in reaching economic and reproductive maturity, selection can be initiated shortly after adoption of a given population, provided multiple end-uses can be evaluated. The roles are considered of national and international agencies in coordinating improvement programmes.