GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED NATIVE TREE SPECIES IN BILIRAN PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

The Philippines adopted the rainforestation strategy as a sustainable approach for the indigenous forest tree species restoration, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. Three-hundred wildlings of Ormosia calavensis (Fabaceae) and Dipterocarpus grandiflorus (Dipterocarpaceae) were planted to assess the growth performance of these trees in Biliran Province, Philippines. Growth performance was measured based on the tree heights and diameter. Findings show that percent survival was not promising (<80 percent). Significant differences were noted between each species (p<0.05). Average height and diameter increases based on the four months data. Growth performance of the indigenous tree species is not promising, although, there are wildlings that performed well. Information on the performance of these trees can be helpful in carrying out policy-making, especially in selecting species to be used in reforestation activity.