Tree-planting programs in many countries are still at the stage of using seed and stock from the most readily available sources, irrespective sometimes of species and generally of quality and origin. As the resulting young forests and plantations grow older it becomes evident that, for the particular soil and climatic conditions, the choice of species or races should have been made more carefully.
Research has shown the importance of geographic sources of seed, emphasized by failures through using seed from outside the country or from other areas within the same country, without regard to the latitude, altitude, temperature, or rainfall of the planting site compared to that from where the seed came.
In a few countries a beginning has been made to identify, within a given geographic source of seed, superior strains and high quality parent trees whose growth rates, technical properties, or outstanding resistance to insect and diseases offer promise of elite progeny. Progress in tree improvement through the efforts of geneticists and tree breeders deserves serious consideration when it comes to formulating tree planting programs. Abundance of supply of seed of the right species at the right time is certainly important. But it is becoming increasingly clear that the forest tree seed used must be of definite geographic origins suitable for the planting sites. And for the future, even more essential will be the procurement of seeds of superior strains from elite quality parent trees to assure those characteristics and growth rates which make the difference between profitable and unprofitable investments, not only in national tree planting programs but in all agricultural, horticultural, and forestry production.
The FAO Conference in the report of its last session, says: "The extensive use of high-quality seed of improved varieties is one of the most generally and most economically applicable measures for increasing productivity." It was decided to launch an international seed campaign and to designate an International Seed Year, probably in 1961, during which time all Member Governments would initiate or intensify "programs for the production and distribution of high quality seeds through a suitable national authority." All interested international, governmental, and non-governmental organizations were asked to join in the campaign.
Agencies, organizations, and special interests concerned with forest crops must certainly be represented in such national efforts, in concert with farm and horticultural interests, and foresters are expected to participate actively in national seed campaign committees which will be formed to promote various activities connected with tree improvement; seed production, certification, and distribution; and education. Each country will of course select, in these three types of activities, those kinds of projects which are most appropriate. Needs differ between countries and the degree of forestry development varies from one area to another.
The Director-General of FAO has stressed that the World Seed Campaign is primarily a matter for the individual governments to organize and conduct according to their own ideas, stage of technical progress, and facilities. FAO will assist through advice, suggestions on desirable action, cooperation with appropriate international and national bodies, and preparation of technical and educational material for use in the various countries.
Foresters, the forest tree seed trade, and forest industries have much to gain from the success of this World Seed Campaign.
All photographs by Courtesy of the United States Forest Service
