Selection of Prunus cerasoides D. Don seed trees for forest restoration

ABSTRACT: Prunus cerasoides D. Don has been identified as a ‘framework species’ for restoring evergreen forest in seasonally dry climates. The aim of this study was to develop criteria to select parent trees to supply seed to forest restoration projects, based on seedling performance in the nursery and in the field. Seed progenies were collected from 50 individual parent trees; 13 from Doi Inthanon National Park; 14 from Doi Ang Khang and 23 from Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Criteria were developed for the selection of superior parent seed trees, based on nursery and field performance, and a provisional selection of parent seed trees for forest restoration projects has been made, based on these criteria. Four standards for selection of superior seed trees were recognised: (i) 70% or greater seedling survival in the field, (ii) a seedling height of 100 cm or taller after the first growing season in the field, (iii) 40% or higher germination in the nursery and (iv) 70% or higher seedling survival in the nursery. Twenty one seed trees met these standards.