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Chart 24.3: Yield of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) (t/hectare) over 4 years

Project E-Science (Provenance and progeny trial of Calamus subinermis )This project was approved in December 2006, for a period of 24 months amounting RM154,000.00. Assessments were carried out at the existing provenance cum progeny trial of rotan batu (Calamus subinermis) in Sabah. These trials are located at Kolapis A, Segaliud Lokan and Sook. Plot maintenance and measurement were completed in 2007. Parameters measured were total stem length, stem length with dry sheath, stem length with green sheath, stem diameter, internode length and number of sucker per clump. FRC/JIRCAS Agroforestry ProjectA paper entitled “Potential of Poring Bamboo (Gigantochloa levis) as shelter crop for dipterocarp seedlings” will be published in a proceeding of this collaboration. This project ended in March 2007.

Potential of planting Jatropha curcas as an agroforestry cropA 4.5 ha Jatropha curcas agroforestry plot was established in the encroached area at Lungmanis Forest reserve in October 2007. The J. curcas was intercropped with laran, gaharu and kapur paji at this plot. The seed source and plot establishment was funded by Mr. Tay Soon Poh.

Tree Breeding and Seed Establishment Programme

Research Activities

Genetic improvement of the pioneers namely Neolamarckia cadamba (laran) & Octomeles sumatrana (binuang) –RMK9 project D11 0200 0014

Provenance Trials• Binuang There were significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in the height

and dbh growth performance of binuang at the age of 3 years in both KTS Plantation and Kolapis A (Chart 24.4). The ex Segaliud(2) and ex Segaliud(1) were both top performers in height with 11.03 m and 9.96 m in KTS and Kolapis A respectively. Surprisingly, the ex Segaliud(2) was at the bottom 3 in height with a record of 7.94 m in Kolapis A. The ex Segaliud(1) was also the best performer in dbh growth with 10.81 cm in KTS whereas Kolapis A(3) outperformed the rest in Kolapis A with 8.84 cm. The Kolapis A(3) height growth was however not that impressive in KTS as it scored the second lowest with 7.67 m.

In KTS, the poorest performer in terms of height and dbh was Sg. Meliau with 7.06 m and 7.51 cm respectively. In Kolapis A, the Kolapis A(2) was the worst performer with a height and dbh of 7.73 m and 6.48 cm respectively. Monitoring of plots continue.

3- year old Binuang in Kolapis A

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There were also significant differences (P<0.05) in the growth performance of the 6 binuang seedlots at the age of 2 years in Seguntor (Jayakuik Particleboard Sdn. Bhd) (Chart 24.5).

The ex Segaliud (2) outperformed the rest with a height and dbh of 9.14 m and 11.6 cm respectively. The worst performer was the Kolapis A(1) with a height of 6.56 m and dbh of 8.32 cm. The performance of seedlots from Sg. Babakang(3) and Sg. Muanad(1) was also quite impressive (see Chart 24.5).

3- year old Binuang in KTS

Chart 24.4. Growth performance of Binuang at 3 years in Kolapis A and KTS (with standard error)

Chart 24.5. Growth performance of Binuang at 2 years in Seguntor

Binuang at 2 years in Seguntor

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• Laran To date, there are only 2 laran provenance trials being successfully established (Segaliud Lokan 2001 and LungManis Forest

Reserve 2005). Laran is a more difficult species to plant as compared to Binuang (relatively more Binuang plots have been established). As reported previously, the browsing deer was the main culprit. The damage has been minimized by putting barbed wires around the Laran plot.

There were significant differences in height performance at 2 years (Chart 24.6). There were however no differences in the dbh growth.

The Kerbu source outperformed the other seedlots with a mean height and dbh of 5.97 m and 8.84 cm respectively. As in the previous year, the Sepilok source was the poorest in both height (4.1 m) and dbh (7.29 cm). It is however too early to make any conclusions on the true merit of the sources tested since replanting was done twice in the months of August and November 2006 (Sibuga F.R., Kerbu, KTS, Sepilok and Arboretum planting materials were used). Thus, monitoring of the plots continues.

There were significant differences in the height and dbh growth of the 13 laran seedlots at 6 years and 8 months in Segaliud Lokan (Chart 24.7). The Kolapis A1 source repeated its superiority in both height and dbh with 17.75 m and 20.34 cm respectively. The worst performers in height and dbh were Sepilok and Bongaya seedlots with a reading of 13.96 m and 15.09 cm respectively. Monitoring of the plot continues.

Laran at 2 years in LungManis Forest ReserveChart 24.6: Mean height growth of Laran at 2 years in the LungManis Forest Reserve

Chart 24 .7. Mean height and dbh of laran (with standard error) at 6 years and 8 months in Segaliud Lokan.

Laran at 6 years 8 months in Segaliud Lokan An outstanding Laran tree in Segaliud Lokan

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Binuang Seedling Seed OrchardA training workshop entitled “The Establishment Of Seed Orchards For Selected Indigenous Species In Sabah” led by Mr Wim Tolkamp of Alterra, Centre for Ecosystem Studies, Wageningen UR (the Netherlands) was conducted in October 2007. The Binuang Seedling Seed Orchard was used as a training ground. A number of researchers and foresters from the Sabah Forestry Department and other forestry based organizations attended the workshop. The Binuang Seedling Seed Orchard was over a year old when the workshop was held. In general, the growth performance was good although apparently there was a huge variability in the growth of the 25 untested seedlots within the SSO. The trees will be measured in 2008. Flowering of Binuang is expected to begin in the fourth to fifth year (2010 onwards). Roguing will eliminate the inferior seedlots. To ease seed harvest, the trees will also be regularly topped.

Binuang Seedling Seed Orchard At Over A Year Old

Provenance Trial of Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) W. TheobTwo Thailand seedlots are being tested i.e. Tubsai Pong Namron, Chantaburi and Thasongyang, Tak in the KTS Plantation. There were significant differences in height growth between the 2 seedlots (Chart 24.8) whereby the Thasongyang seedlot outperformed the Tubsai seedlot (T Test P<0.05). There were however no differences in dbh growth. Plot maintenance, monitoring and data collection continue.

Xylia xylocarpa at 2 years in KTS Chart 24.8. Mean height of Xylia xylocarpa at 3 years in KTS

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Vegetative propagation of selected species in the Sandakan Rainforest Park (Kebun Cina), Barringtonia spp. and Acacia Hybrid. The purpose of this task was to produce planting materials for forest rehabilitation particularly in Kebun Cina, and also to support other tree planting initiatives (usually by the government bodies, schools, etc). The results will also reflect the feasibility of rooting the mature trees in the wild. Table 24.8 shows the rooting success of the marcots and stem cuttings derived from the species.

Species Ortet LocationMethod of vegetative

propagationNumber of marcots/

stem cuttings preparedRooting success rate

% (number rooted)

Acacia HybridBarringtonia asthonii (tampalang)Barringtonia macrostachys (tampalang)Dillenia suffruticosa (Simpoh bini)Gaertnera junghuhnianaPandanus sp. (Pandan) (2 sources)Endospermum diadenum (Senduk senduk mata)Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Karamunting)Ficus sp.Alstonia iwahigensis (Pulai)Garcinia sp. (3 sources)

HQ compoundArboretum, SepilokArboretum, Sepilok

Kebun CinaKebun CinaKebun CinaKebun CinaKebun CinaKebun CinaKebun CinaKebun Cina

Marcot/air layeringMarcot/air layeringMarcot/air layering

Stem cuttingsStem cuttingsStem cuttingsStem cuttingsStem cuttingsStem cuttingsStem cuttingsStem cuttings

141515

19524842

2255287

135147

35.7 (5)86.7 (13)

n.a21.0 (41)

1.6 (4)11.9 (5)

09.6 (5)

00

28.6 (42)

Stem cuttings taken direct from the mother trees (ortets) can be rooted in the nursery (ex situ propagation), however with high mortality due to the distance and timing of vegetative propagation work conducted. Mortality was 100% for Senduk Senduk Mata, Ficus sp. and Pulai cuttings.

The results showed that the old trees can also be marcotted as in the case of Acacia Hybrid (35.7%) and tampalang (86.7%). Thus, it is recommended that all the mother trees be marcotted, and kept at the nursery as stockplants. Stem cuttings then are to be taken from the stockplants for vegetative propagation work. This is an on going activity.

Table 24.8. Rooting success of the marcots and stem

Acacia hybrid at HQ

Rooted cuttings of Pandanus sp.

Rooted Marcots Of Acacia HybridGaertnera sp. Marcots of Barringtonia ashtonii

Rooted cuttings of Dillenia sp.

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Seed Research Activities

Phenological ObservationThroughout the year 2007, phenological observation in natural forests recorded that peak fruiting of two dipterocarp species, namely Dryobalanops lanceolata (Kapur Paji) and Shorea parvifolia (Seraya Punai) occurred. Kapur Paji’s mature fruits were collected from Tabin Forest Reserve in April, 2007 and Sepilok Forest Reserve in August, 2007 (Table 24.9). Seraya Punai fruits were collected at Tabin Forest Reserve in February, 2007. For non-dipterocarp tree species, namely Neolamarckia cadamba (Laran) and Octomeles sumatrana (Binuang), their fruiting season was consistent as last year. Laran’s mature fruits appeared from August to November, 2007 and Binuang’s fruits appeared in two general fruiting seasons, that was March & July to August, 2007.

Tree SpeciesPhenological changes

Flowering Fruiting

Non- Dipterocarp tree species

Neolamarckia cadamba (Laran)Octomeles sumatrana (Binuang)

July, 2007 February & July,2007

August & November,2007March & July – August,2007

Dipterocarp tree species

Genus Shorea - Shorea parvifolia (Seraya Punai)

October, 2006 February, 2007

Genus Dryobalanops- Dryobalanops lanceolata (Kapur Paji)

October, 2006 April & August, 2007

The fruiting phenomena for planted trees, namely Acacia mangium, A. crassicarpa and A. peregrinalis were poor (Table 24.10). All Acacia spp. have early fruit fall in April, 2007 and the seed quality was low due to heavy rain and the age of the trees.

Tree SpeciesPhenological changes

Flowering Fruiting

Research plots

Acacia mangium February 2007 April 2007

Acacia crassicarpaAcacia peregrinalis

February 2007 April 2007

Seed Collections In 2007, the seed production from natural forests was good. About 34.68 kg of Kapur Paji fruits were collected by Alexander and team & the seed team from Tabin FR and Sibuga FR and about 7.4 kg of Seraya Punai were collected from Tabin FR. Laran seeds, about 0.819 kg, were collected from Tabin Forest Reserve and Binuang seeds, about 2.48 kg, were collected from Segaliud, Mile 32 (Table 24.11). Nevertheless, the seed production from research plots was very poor and no seed collection was conducted for Acacia spp. in year 2007.

Species SourceSeed

weight

Neolamarckia cadambaDryobalanops lanceolataDryobalanops lanceolataShorea parvifoliaOctomeles sumatrana

LaranKapur PajiKapur PajiSeraya PunaiBinuang

Tabin Forest ReserveTabin Forest ReserveSibuga Forest ReserveTabin Forest ReserveSegaliud, Mile 32

0.819 7.94

32.99 7.4

2.48

Total 51.629kg

Seed RequestsIn 2007, the Seed Section filled 19 requests from Malaysian consignees, about 46.91 kilograms of tropical seeds (Table 24.12). The majority of the requests were made by the Forest Management Unit/FMU group. There was also one seed request from Sabah Softwoods Sdn, Bhd and three requests from tissue culture laboratory, plantation office and Silviculture office of Forest Research Centre. The rest was from the public, looking for fast growing species, e.g. Laran & Binuang.

Consignees # Requests Species required

Quantity supplied

Total charges

Forest Management Unit (FMU)

11 Laran, Binuang, Seraya Punai & Kapur Paji

31.91 RM396.60

Government (incl. FRC)

4 Laran & Kapur Paji

10.03 FOC

Other Consignees (incl. Sarawak & Peninsular Malaysia)

4 Laran, Binuang, Kapur Paji

4.97 RM90

Total 46.91 kg RM486.60

Research and Development

The effects of microclimate and seed predators on the recruitment of mangrove in SabahThis project is carried out under eScience fund (Project No: 05-05-09-SF0003) of Ministry of Science & Technology, Malaysia. The main purpose of this project is to identify the relationship between the phenological event of mangroves and the microclimatic variables. Apart from that, the effects of seed predators, such as crab species on the recruitment of mangroves will be investigated. In year 2007, or during the first year of the two year project, 6 mangroves species, namely Bangkita, Beus, Putut, Mata Buaya and Lenggadai

Table 24.9. Phenological Observation In Natural Forests, 2007

Table 24.10. Phenological Observation In Plantation Forests, 2007

Table 24.11: Seed Collections In 2007

Table 24.12: Number Of Requests And Quantity Of Seeds supplied In 2007

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were recorded for their phenological events as well as the microclimatic information obtained. The data collection and analysis of the result is still ongoing.

Storage trial on Alstonia angustiloba (Pulai Bukit) seedsSeeds of Alstonia angustiloba with initial 14% moisture content were collected from tanah merah, Sandakan by Alexander & Team germinated 87.5% at 35oC. Seeds were stored at

Insect Pests and Diseases Programme

Insect pests of forest plantation trees and potentially important trees in SabahThe objectives of this study are to document the insect pests of plantation tree species and potentially important tree species in Sabah and to evaluate the status of insect pests of plantation tree species. Surveys on some potentially important plantation species, such as Octomeles sumatrana, Neolamarckia cadamba, Terminalia copelandii and Hevea brasiliensis were conducted. The insect pests of the lesser known tree species were surveyed too in the field and at the nursery. Research on insect pests attacking Jatropha seedlings to be planted in an agroforestry system was also carried out. The life cycle of insect pests was monitored and documented. Insect pest surveys conducted in 2007 were TSH Industrial Tree Planting (ITP) area within the Ulu Tungud Forest Reserve, KTS Plantation, Segaliud Lokan, Kolapis A and other areas within Sandakan. Briefing and advice on plantation pests were also given to FMU holders and other interested planters. A short course on ‘Forest Health: Pests & Diseases’ was conducted at KTS Plantation in July 2007 and a lecture was also given at the Seed Orchard Establishment Training Course in October,

2007. Under RMK9, about RM400,000 have been allocated from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for a period of four years to investigate insect pests and also diseases of commercial timber species in Sabah. Research is still on-going and a few papers were written. Throughout 2007, at least five requests were received from various stakeholders to investigate their pest problems.

Insect pests of urban forestryThere is a huge demand for ornamental plants inside the country and abroad as well. Many of these plants originate from forests. Within the country, the ornamentals are widely used in urban landscaping, lining the avenues of towns and cities, decorating both public and private gardens. They provide shade, cool the atmosphere and beautify the environment. The purpose of this project is to document the insect pests of urban forestry which have not been recorded previously. It is also to monitor the status of pests in the urban areas, and to find solution to problems that occur. In 2007, surveys have been conducted mainly within the Sandakan area, e.g. the Sandakan Rainforest Park, Sibuga Sports Complex and

different temperatures did not germinated at 27oC after stored for 30 weeks, while 50 - 60% germination occurred at 10 and 16oC, revealing that the threshold temperature for maintained high levels of viability after storage A. angustiloba seeds at 10 &16oC. The remaining seeds were still available for ongoing testing.

An entrance hole of the stem borer Endoclita sp. (Lepidoptera, Hepialidae) on a two-year-old Binuang tree at Kolapis A trial plot

Early instar of the caterpillars Trabala irrorata (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae), which feed on Binuang leaves