Effects of Frond Removal on the Survivality of Transplanted Palms

by

Macdonald Mambang
B. For. Sc.
1998

Supervisor: Zakariya Abdullah
Co-supervisor: Dr. Ahmad Ainuddin Nuruddin

Palms are a popular choice in urban landscaping especially in public places. In Malaysia alone, there are 34 genera and 220 species of palms. Palms, however, do not have branches as opposed to trees, which can regenerate when pruned. The part of growth is only at the apex that produce one frond at a time. Bad transplanting practices such as improper planting technique, excessive fronds removal, and lack of understanding of palm trees behavior always result in poor plant growth or even mortality. This study was conducted on 512 palms of Roystonea regia and Roystonea oleracea that were transplanted along the roadsides of Konsortium Expressway Shah Alam Selangor (KESAS). It was done to evaluate the different degree of frond removal to field performance of newly transplanted palms, and also to find the minimum number of fronds to be retained prior to transplanting without adversely causing growth problem. Visual observations were made on morphological characteristics of the palms such as the number of fronds left prior to transplanting (categories of 1 - 3 fronds, 4 - 6 fronds, 7 - 9 fronds, and 10-above fronds), fronds condition (normal and undersize), and frond leaflets conditions (normal, stunted, twisted, and brownish). The data obtained were analyzed for mean, frequency distribution, and percentage calculation. About 52% of the 512 transplanted palms were with 4 - 6 fronds attached to the trunk, 36% with 1 - 3 fronds, 11% with 7 - 9 fronds, and 1% with more or equal to 10 fronds left. This study indicates that the highest mortality (42%) was found in palms with 1 - 3 fronds, followed by 4% of palms with 4 - 6 fronds left. As expected earlier, palms with more than 7 fronds had survived the harsh growing condition. Both species also have showed about the same level of mortality due to excessive frond removals and water stress. Roystonea regia palms recorded an 18% mortality, whereas Roystonea oleracea palms with 17% mortality. The result indicates that palms with less than 7 fronds tend to grow poorly with undersize fronds, while palms with more than 7 fronds were found to have a normal growth. Excessive removal of fronds will reduce cost of handling and transportation, but may result in the palms losing its beauty and slow recovery.

Citation:
Mambang, M. 1998. Effects of frond removal on the survivality of transplanted palms. B. For. Sc. Thesis. Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Putra Malaysia. 52 leaves. (http://www.oocities.org/EnchantedForest/Palace/1170/abmc.html)