Seed collection

    General collection/Identified Source (GC)
Seed collected from a number of trees selected in the field at the time of collection for their desirable characteristics. This seed is particularly suitable for indigenous species.

    Selected trees (ST)
Seed collected from pre-selected and marked parent trees with desirable traits. This seed is particularly suitable for high-value indigenous species. (E.g.: Pinus tecunumanii, Pinus caribaea, Cedrela odorata, Ochroma lagopus)

    Research trial (RT)
Seed is sometimes collected from research trials. These newly introduced exotic species are often planted in research trials. Such trials provide a temporary source of seed, which is limited in supply, prior to establishment of a boarder-based and genetic seed source. Great care has to be taken to ensure the purity and suitability of seed collected from research trails.

    Seed stand (SS)
Seed collected from natural forests or plantations is selected for its high quality and there stands are managed as a seed source.

    Seedling seed orchard (SO)
Seed collected from an orchard established from seed of known high quality origin and then managed as a seed source. Due to the high cost of establishing and maintaining seedling seed orchards and the superior performance of such seeds the prices of these seeds are considerably higher.

    Clonal seed orchard (CS)
Seed collected from an orchard established from clones selected for their high desirable traits; particularly useful for major industrial species. Gains in volume production of around 10-15 % can be expected from the use of clonal seed orchard seed. Due to the high cost of establishing and maintaining seedling seed orchards and the superior performance of such seeds the prices of these seeds are considerably higher.