IJBSAT 2019 Volume 10 Issue 2

International Journal of BioSciences, Agriculture and Technology (IJBSAT) ISSN: 0975 - 4539

Indexed by EBSCO, PROQUEST & CABI

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Shuba Soamandaugh, Ria Bisnauth, Varsha Gopaul, & Ryan Dey. (2019). Health of seedlings and saplings of popular timber species in Guyana. International Journal of Biosciences, Agriculture and Technology (IJBSAT) ISSN: 0975 - 4539, 10(2), 6–12. http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3384587

IJBSAT_2019_10_2_6-12.pdf

Health of seedlings and saplings of popular timber species in Guyana

Shuba Soamandaugh, Ria Bisnauth, Varsha Gopaul, Ryan Dey

Forest Resources Management Division, Guyana Forestry Commission, 1 Water Street, Kingston, Georgetown.

sntsoamandaugh@gmail.com riaokbisnauth@gmail.com varshakgopaul@gmail.com ryandey2002@gmail.com


ABSTRACT:

An assessment of the density of seeds, seedlings and saplings was done for three (3) popular timber species Chlorocardium rodiei (Greenheart), Peltogyne venosa (Purpleheart) and Swartzia leiocalycina (Wamara). Trees that met the Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) criteria for harvesting were selected as sample individuals. The health and condition of the individuals at these stages were recorded. This filled a noticeable gap in information on tree population and the impacts of harvesting on seedlings and saplings in tropical forests that recuperate by natural regeneration. It was noted that fungi, other diseases and herbivory were minimal in all species; with C. rodiei producing the largest seeds, seedlings and saplings.

For all species, the majority of seedlings and saplings were assessed as healthy and viable replacements for their parent tree in case of harvesting. There is need for species-specific guidelines to ensure sustained utilization without causing detriment to the population.