The Branching Behaviour and Silvicultural Potential of
Pterocarpus indicus using Small Cuttings

by

Lok Eng Hai
M. S.
1996

Chairman: Prof. Dr. Ruth Kiew
Supervisory Committee Members: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saberi Othman & Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lim Meng Tsai
Faculty: Science and Environmental Studies

Although Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus) is commonly planted as a roadside tree by large cuttings, little research has been conducted either on a trial basis or in plantations. A study was initiated to evaluate its branching behaviour and subsequently to recommend proper pruning regimes with respect to maximisation of the branch growth; anatomical features; and silvicultural potential using small cuttings. The branching behaviour in Angsana showed that the trees in UPM produced more coppicing branches and a higher level of branch orders as compared to Kuala Lumpur trees. A range of one to five coppicing branches and one to three branch orders were obtained in UPM trees while in Kuala Lumpur, one to five and one to three respectively were obtained. These trees attain bigger diameter and length in coppicing branches, ranging from one to three, and branch orders ranging from one to five, thus producing higher timber volume. In Kuala Lumpur trees, the average main stem diameter was 39.2 cm with a clear bole height of 2.4 m while in UPM, the average stem diameter was 73.5 cm. The optimum pruning regime of three coppice branches on the main stem with three to five branch orders is recommended as it gives higher timber volume. However, the six sites in Kuala Lumpur showed that there is a significant difference in branch sizes between sites. Stems of Angsana have high capabilities to sprout and root regardless of the small size used in the experiment. Sprouting and rooting in these small cuttings were observed to take place between 3 to 15 weeks although rooting might take a shorter period. Rooting hormone is not necessary although treatment (hormone) and age of the stem significantly affects leaf number, weight, and area produced. The capabilities of the stem to root and sprout have great potential for the species to produce vegetatively. Stems of Angsana have abundant parenchyma tissues available with developed meristematic tissues. The meristematic activity takes place within two weeks with shoot development occurring at Week 7. A completely differentiated branch is formed by the tenth week. However, weak anatomical tissues present in the stem such as having discontinuous fibres, less lignified vessels and cell walls and abundant of cellulose fibres were observed to have contributed to branch breakage.
 

Citation:
Lok, E. H. 1996. The branching behaviour and silvicultural potential of Pterocarpus indicus using small cuttings. M. S. Thesis. Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia. 75 leaves. (http://www.oocities.org/EnchantedForest/Palace/1170/ablok.html)