Como citar APA:

Prado,S., Lajones, D. (2023) Conservación de fuentes semilleras de

especies forestales de valor comercial en el bosque Mútile. Repique, 5(2), 126-165

Vol. 5 Núm. 2

July - December 2023

e-ISSN: 2550-6676

pp 126-165

Conservation of seed sources of commercially valuable forest

species in the Mútile forest

Segundo Lenin Prado Rodríguez

Digmar Alfredo Lajones Bone*

Abstract

In Ecuador there are limited efforts to establish seed sources for the

production of reproductive genetic material of native forest species

capable of generating quality production in a timely manner. The

species of the study were selected from the remaining forest of the

Mútile Tropical Botanical Garden, which due to its conservation

status has species of commercial value. Currently, the use of

reproductive material of proven genetic quality in native forest

species is limited. The availability of qualified seed sources is the

first step in genetic improvement for the production of quality

reproductive material. The objective of this work is to contribute to

the conservation of seed sources of native forest species of

commercial value that meet the phenotypic, phytosanitary and

dasometric conditions acceptable for the development of forest

genetic improvement programs. Three seed sources of

commercially valuable species were established: laurel (Cordia

alliodora), guachapelí (Pseudosamanea guachapele) and Fernán

Sánchez (Triplaris cumingiana), consisting of 114 trees on 20

hectares. Phenotypic, phytosanitary and dasometric characteristics

of the trees were evaluated. The phenotypic evaluation showed that

* Master, Universidad Técnica “Luis Vargas Torres” De Esmeraldas, spradol@ulvt.edu.ec,

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0734-694X

Master, Universidad Técnica “Luis Vargas Torres” De Esmeraldas, dlajones@ulvt.edu.ec,

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1877-7785

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73 trees achieved a rating of Excellent Trees and 41 trees have a

rating of Good Trees. The laurel species has the highest number of

trees evaluated (42 individuals), followed by guachapelí (38 trees)

and Fernán Sánchez (34 individuals). The seed-producing source

corresponds to the genetic category of Identified Seed Source.

Keyword:

Conservation, seed source, plus tree, phenotype, quality

seeds.

Conservación de fuentes semilleras de especies forestales de

valor comercial en el bosque Mútile

Resumen

En Ecuador existen limitados esfuerzos que conlleven al

establecimiento de fuentes semilleras para la producción de

material genético reproductivo de especies forestales nativas que

sean capaces de generar una producción con calidad y en tiempo

apropiado. Las especies del estudio fueron seleccionadas en el

remanente de bosque del Jardín Botánico Tropical Mútile, que por

su estado de conservación tiene especies de valor comercial.

Actualmente, el uso de material reproductivo de calidad genética

comprobada en especies forestales nativas es limitado. Disponer

de fuentes semilleras calificadas es el primer paso de la mejora

genética para la producción de material reproductivo de calidad. El

objetivo de este trabajo es contribuir a la conservación de fuentes

semilleras de especies forestales nativas de valor comercial que

cumplan con las condiciones fenotípicas, fitosanitarias y

dasométricas aceptables para el desarrollo de programas de

mejoramiento genético forestal. Se establecieron tres fuentes

semilleras de especies de valor comercial: laurel (Cordia alliodora),

guachapelí (Pseudosamanea guachapele) y Fernán Sánchez

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Digmar Alfredo Lajones Bone

128

(Triplaris cumingiana) conformadas por 114 árboles en 20

hectáreas. Se evaluaron las características fenotípicas, fitosanitarias

y dasométricas de los árboles. La valoración fenotípica demostró

que 73 árboles alcanzaron una calificación de Árboles Excelentes y

41 árboles tienen una calificación de Árboles Buenos. La especie

laurel presenta la mayor cantidad de árboles evaluados (42

individuos), seguido de guachapelí (38 árboles) y Fernán Sánchez

(34 individuos). La Fuente productora de semillas corresponde a la

categoría genética de Fuente Semillera Identificada.

Palabra clave:

Conservación, fuente semillera, árbol plus, fenotipo,

semillas de calidad.

Recibido :

06-01-2023

Aprobado:

08-03-2023

INTRODUCTION

The research was carried out in an area of the natural forest of the

Tropical Garden of the Universidad Técnica Luis Vargas Torres de

Esmeraldas (UTELVT). The forest is part of Cerro Mútile located on

the southern slope of the Esmeraldas River (0° 54' N, 79° 37' W).

The topography of the forest is rugged with slopes ranging from

20 to 60%.

The study area has an area of 20 hectares and an altitudinal range

from 25 masl to 125 masl, its geographic coordinates correspond

to: 653774.00 - 98990.00 for the lower area and 655645.37 -

99654.39 for the higher area. The forest by its characteristics and

species present corresponds to a semi-deciduous lowland forest

with a mixture of species of lowland evergreen forest of the Coastal

Cordillera sector of the northern subregion of the coast of Ecuador.

The natural forest of the Mútile Tropical Garden belongs to the

UTELVT and is protected by the administration; however, it is

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sporadically subjected to invasions by outsiders who selectively cut

canopy trees of commercially valuable species, which causes

severe impacts and disturbances to the flora, fauna and the

development of its ecological functions.

Acosta-Hernández et al., (2019) states that the management of

natural resources is limited to economic, environmental, ethical

and aesthetic aspects; however, when working for conservation,

some of these aspects are left out and commercial value is

weighted as the important factor.

As Brockerhoff et al., (2017) says, native forests provide many

ecosystem services for human health and well-being, including

maintenance of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, water

quality and quantity, and high biodiversity. In the modern

management of tree species, and especially those that find an

industrial use, the technical implications do not consider important

aspects from an overall perspective where value is provided to

forests beyond the individuals suitable for commercialization

(Acosta-Hernández et al., 2019).

On the other hand, natural populations of forest trees are being

deteriorated at high speed, not only in size but also dysgenically

(selection of genetic variables), this forces the construction of

technologies that guarantee the increase of variation in their

descendants, not only for adaptation, but for the permanence of

this species and that this diversity of genes is used for uses such as

watershed protection, CO2 capture, soil retention, environmental

humidity and timber products (Rodríguez et al., 2021).

Currently, natural forests are under high pressure from the

expansion of the agricultural frontier, land use change to meet

urban population growth, and climate change impacts (Cué et al.,

2019).

Cerro Mútile, is part of a chain of low ridges (200 to 300 masl)

parallel to the coast and which are divided by the Esmeraldas River

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130

(Parker, T.A., III, and J.L. Carr, eds. 1992), is part of the

biogeographic Chocó, a natural corridor that extends from

southern Panama, Colombia and Ecuador, has an area of 187,400

km2, is the rainiest area on the planet with 16 000 mm of

precipitation / year (Herrera and Trujillo, 2019).

The area has been subject to constant modifications due to

selective logging, which has caused the change in land use and

consequently the decrease in vegetation cover especially of those

species of the upper canopy (Parker, T.A., III, and J.L. Carr, eds.

1992). Nevertheless, there still remain forested remnants that hold

important biodiversity that help maintain ecosystem processes

(Mena-Valenzuela, P and J. Valdiviezo-Rivera (Editors). 2019).

The felling of trees without considering the technical aspects

established in the MAATE forest harvesting standard reduces the

possibilities of maintaining vegetation in healthy conditions, these

inadequate practices lead to the skimming of forests and the loss

of biodiversity. In addition, changes in land use and climate change

affect natural ecosystems, making it necessary to implement in situ

and ex situ conservation programs for commercially valuable forest

species and plant communities.

Forest seed sources are the basis for implementing forest genetic

improvement programs. Seed sources are not available until they

have been located, identified and documented (Cornelius, 2021).

In each case, this creates a recognizable entity that can serve as a

focus for future activities and funding and facilitates good seed

collection practices.

Current seed sources are isolated trees on farms, roads and/or city

parks and avenues, which does not necessarily ensure good seed

condition. Therefore, the quality of the seedlings that are obtained

later on are not necessarily adequate, making it impossible to

develop clonal orchards in order to have guaranteed and

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registered seed sources. This situation is also manifest in the coast

and the Amazon Region (Valladolit et al., 2017).

For their part Atkinson et al., (2018), state that when analyzing the

situation of the seed supply system for specific purposes of

restoration implementation in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica,

Colombia, Peru, Chile and Argentina. They state that these

countries have at least some aspects of the seed system for specific

purposes, but there are two fundamental gaps common to all: a

low diversity of native species is available and used in restoration

projects and there is little consideration of the genetic origin and

diversity of seeds used.

A successful experience in the field of forest seed production and

certification in Latin America is the Forest Seed Bank (BSF) of the

Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center

(CATIE) in Costa Rica, reporting an experience of about 50 years of

different initiatives aimed at forest restoration and genetic

improvement. According to Mesén (2017), the "BSF is a self-

sufficient unit commercializing high quality seeds, which annually

distributes about 10 tons of seeds to about 20 countries". In

Ecuador, the private company PROFAFOR S. A., is the exclusive

distributor of seeds from CATIE.

Several studies analyze the situation of the forestry and timber

sector in Ecuador with different emphases (MAE, 2018; Mejía and

Pacheco, 2013; MAE, 2011; U. Malessa and W. Palacios, 2011;

Romero, 2010) these works explore the implications of forestry

policies on small-scale forest management by farmers. They also

analyze the challenges they experience in achieving sustainable

forest management. However, most of the studies focus on

regulatory measures and leave aside the focus on productive and

systemic linkages as important elements for the sustainable

development of forestry activities.

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Ecuador has a standard that regulates the use of forest seeds (MAE,

2004), but its implementation by institutions and users is weak. It

also has a Procedural Manual for the Identification of seed sources

and plus trees (MAGAP 2016), instruments that establish criteria for

the establishment of seed sources and the management of forest

seeds.

Seed sources can be established in natural forests or forest

plantations depending on the genetic quality of the seed required

to be produced (Cornelius, J.P. 2021a). Thus, the production of

forest seeds from selected seed sources involves a series of

activities such as planning, harvesting, processing, storage and

marketing. In this sense, natural forests not only provide monetary

values for timber, but also for products other than timber, such as

forest seeds.

The presence of commercially valuable forest species in the

remnants of Esmeraldas' natural forests is decreasing in population

density, which could lead to genetic erosion. However, there is a

remnant of natural forest in the Tropical Botanical Garden of the

UTELVT that due to its conservation status has some species of

commercial value in good condition and with interesting

population densities that can be technically qualified as seed

sources to supply seeds for afforestation and reforestation

programs.

Currently, the use of quality reproductive material for native forest

species is limited, which can have repercussions on the growth and

development of forest plantations. The availability of qualified seed

sources is the first step in genetic improvement and will support

the production of reproductive material from trees qualified as

quality seed producers.

According to the report on the State of Forest Genetic Resources

in Ecuador - RGF, there is no well-structured genetic improvement

program, but rather initiatives of private companies and

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universities. These social actors have conducted specific research

studies, but they are far from supporting and responding to a forest

genetic improvement plan. On the other hand, the research that is

developed is not articulated with the management needs of FGR

(Grijalba et al., 2016).

In Ecuador there are limited efforts that lead to the establishment

of seed sources for the production of reproductive genetic material

of native forest species that are capable of generating quality

production in a timely manner. Work to date has been limited to

collaborative research projects of Intercooperation / COSUDE in

the Andean region, Solidaridad International in Orellana,

Amazonia, Fundación ECOPAR and the Metropolitan Municipality

of Quito in the highlands and INIAP in some specific activities on

the coast.

According to Cornelius (2021a), genetic quality is very important in

agroforestry activities because tree species show a lot of genetic

variation. Therefore, the genetic quality of two different seed

sources can be very different. To address this variation and to

choose the most appropriate seed sources or nursery stock, tree

planters should consider the following three principles:

Principle 1. All trees should be locally adapted. This is an essential

requirement.

Principle 2. All seedling lots should be genetically diverse. This is

an essential requirement, except for cultivars.

Principle 3. Where possible, trees should be genetically improved.

According to Grijalva et al., (2016) describes that in Ecuador there

are two strategies for seed conservation and/or production, in situ

and ex situ conservation. In situ seed conservation and/or

production shows results of seed source selection from different

institutional actors, where the following can be identified:

EcoPar Foundation selected 20 seed sources in Andean forests in

the Sierra.

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Asociación de Agrónomos Indígenas de Cañar 13 native species in

Cañar and Fundación Ecológica Arco Iris established 14 native

species in Loja.

The Metropolitan Municipality of Quito identified 28 seed sources.

The Fundación Española Solidaridad Internacional established 33

seed sources in Orellana.

The initiation of a forest genetic improvement program is

fundamentally based on the selection and identification of high

yielding trees. This involves the generation of information on the

site where seed can be collected in order to establish forest seed

sources, as they are the basis for implementing forest genetic

improvement programs (Cué et al., 2019).

A seed area is a delimited stand within a natural forest or

plantation, which has the best trees and the less desirable

individuals are eliminated to avoid crossing with the selected trees.

In addition, they will have more space and less competition which

will allow higher seed production per tree (SEMARNAT -

CONAFOR, 2013 cited by Solís, 2018).

According to Rehfeldt et al., 2002 cited by Ipinza 2018 forest tree

species and populations have evolved to adapt to the environment

in which they grow. This evolution occurred at both the species and

population level. Generally, populations of widely distributed

forest tree species become genetically differentiated in order to

adapt to the climate, soil conditions and disturbance factors (fire,

pests and diseases) that prevail where they grow (Alfaro et al.,

2014). Genetic differentiation means that populations of the same

species may differ from each other in one or more traits or

characters that allow them to survive, grow, compete and

reproduce in a given environment. Examples of such adaptive traits

are survival, growth rate, resistance to frost damage or drought

stress, and timing of seed formation and dispersal (distance and

time) (Ipinza, 2018).

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Populations must be large (at least several hundred mature trees

capable of reproduction) to maintain their inherent adaptive

potential and ideally, to facilitate adaptive responses to

environmental stimuli or stresses, gene flow to other populations

should not be inhibited. Most tree species are characterized by

both high diversity and high fecundity; over the lifetime of a single

tree, millions of seeds can be produced, and a single surviving

offspring is sufficient to replace each parent tree and maintain the

population (Cornelius, 2021b).

Forest genetic resources are the heritable material conserved in

and among trees and other woody plant species with actual or

potential economic, environmental, scientific or social value; they

determine the adaptive potential of trees and influence the long-

term value of planting efforts to mitigate the effects of climate

change. Consequently, forest genetic resources are essential

elements on which the effectiveness of adaptation and mitigation

responses depend (Loo, 2016).

According to Loo (2016), genetic diversity comprises the heritable

differences of individuals that are part of the same species, and the

concept of forest genetic resources alludes to tree genetic diversity

that is of actual or potential importance to humans. According to

Marín (2017), genetic diversity provides the indispensable basis for

the evolution of forest tree species.

Nature thus has an enormous potential for selection. However, for

this directional selection to be successful, a second condition is that

changes in climate conditions are directional and uniform. It is

much more unlikely that trees can adapt to survive extreme events

than that they will gradually accommodate their behavior to

directional changes (Loo, 2016).

The accelerated consumption of natural resources, the change in

land use added to climatic variations with greater intensity in recent

years causes strong pressure on the populations of forest species

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of high ecological and commercial value at the local level, as is the

case of species such as: laurel, guachapelí, Fernán Sánchez,

dormilón, esmeraldeña mahogany, moral, among others.

Dynamic conservation (in situ) seeks that the existing genetic

variation in the conserved material not only guarantees its current

adaptability, but also the continuous evolution of the species,

maintaining a wide genetic diversity and adaptive potential,

through the natural selective pressure of the environment and

sexual reproduction. In this way, new genotypes appear by

recombination and mating, without phenotypic selection of the

parent trees. This strategy requires effective protection against

genetic introgression from outside, as well as against fire or other

threats to the conserved population (Joseau M.J., et al. 2021).

Modern forestry tends to the establishment of forest plantations

with high percentages of seedlings, which form homogeneous

populations with acceptable yields in growth and development,

but its limitations are presented at the time of having quality

reproductive material for the production of quality seedlings

(Cornelius, 2021b).

Joseau M.J., et al. (2021) argue that genetic improvement

programs for forest species widely used in global forestry, such as

in the Pinus and Eucalyptus genera, are more easily carried out

thanks to the accumulation of knowledge achieved through several

decades of research. However, in poorly domesticated native

species, a smooth development of breeding programs is difficult.

In such circumstances, any reforestation program must have a

forest genetic resources management program, hence the need to

establish seed sources of native forest species for the provision of

seeds of known origin and quality that can become seed-producing

areas in the future.

In this sense, a forest seed source corresponds to a set of trees of

the same species or of different species with acceptable

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phenotypic, phytosanitary and dasometric characteristics, which is

technically managed for the production of seeds in quantity and

quality in a timely manner (Cué., et al, 2019).

As pointed out by Ipinza et al., 2011 cited by Joseau M.J., et al

(2021) the high value in native species is not only reduced to timber

quality, but extends to non-timber forest products and ecosystem

and environmental services. Many of them also have a high

adaptive potential, including the possibility of adapting to future

climatic changes.

Although the species selected in our study (laurel, guachapelí and

Fernán Sánchez) correspond to less diverse families within the

Mútile forest (Parker and J.L. Carr, eds. 1992 and Mena-Valenzuela,

P and J. Valdiviezo-Rivera, 2019), they possess an interesting

number of individuals of codominant and dominant trees with

appreciable sizes, in addition, they are pioneer species of the

secondary forest and have rapid growth, hence the need for the

conservation of genetic resources in situ.

It is a tree that has minimum desirable characteristics for seed

production, these individuals are selected in the natural forest or

as trees outside the forest or within a forest plantation, the

important thing is to define the criteria they should have under the

purpose of the plantation (Cornelius, 2021a).

Trees in a natural forest have a high degree of adaptation to the

local environment, which they transmit to their seeds through

genetic inheritance mechanisms (Gutiérrez, 2019). Seeds, for their

part, disperse at relatively limited distances in relation to their

progenitors, which allows them to find a similar environment in

which to germinate and develop.

From the point of view of forest genetic resource conservation, the

main objective is to ensure the survival, adaptation and continued

evolution of a species in a continuously changing environment

(Ipinza, 2018).

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Differences between populations of the same species occupying

different regions can be attributed, in part, to phenotypic

modification processes in response to different local climatic and

edaphic conditions, a phenomenon known as phenotypic plasticity.

However, there are important differences that have a genetic basis

and have been subject to selection over multiple generations.

These genetic differences are the basis on which the delimitation

of the areas of origin of forest species is established (Gutiérrez,

2019).

The traits of any living organism are determined by its genetics and

the environmental circumstances in which it lives. By genotype (or

genetic composition) is meant the set of genes that an individual

has. However, the environment in which an organism lives can also

influence how its traits are displayed and thus its phenotype. This

interaction between genotype and environment is very important

for breeding programs so that a program will have to consider the

environment in which individuals are intended to grow (Gonzalez,

2019).

In our study the establishment of seed trees with acceptable

phenotypic, dasometric and phytosanitary characteristics is for the

production of seeds for the establishment of plantations that have

the purpose of producing commercially valuable timber.

According to Cornelius (2021a), the seed is the starting material for

the production of seedlings, and it is essential that it has a good

response under planting conditions and that it produces a vigorous

seedling to achieve maximum yield in the plantation.

According to Gutiérrez (2019), provenance zones are designed to

facilitate the trade of forest reproductive material by identifying the

area where the fruits or seeds were collected. They are of great

importance due to their impact on relevant aspects of a plantation,

such as its adaptability and the reduction of risks of genetic

contamination of pre-existing native stands. For this reason, it is

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highly convenient to have a division of origin zones to guide and

regulate the movement of seeds of native forest species, an aspect

that will be particularly relevant to support initiatives for the

restoration of degraded forests.

As Cornelius (2021a) states, good quality seeds meet the following

requirements: they are healthy and in good condition so that they

produce the necessary quantity of seedlings and are of good

genetic quality. It is better than the seed used for seedling

production from an area with a climate similar to that of your future

climate. Climate change specialists usually forecast a range of

possible climate conditions, so it will often be best to obtain seed

from a variety of sources.

To know if a batch of seed or seedlings has acceptable levels of

diversity, you need to know the seed source and how the collection

was made. When the seeds collected come from only a few trees,

the collection may lack diversity. In general, seed collections should

include seeds from about 30 parent trees.

METHODOLOGY

The study subscribes to the Naturalistic paradigm. The approach

used was qualitative. Methodologically it is an interpretative,

naturalistic approach to the object of study. This means measuring

and understanding the visual characteristics of the forest trees that

were selected for the study under methodological procedures. In

this research work, the techniques of observation and

measurement of the trees of the species under study in the field

were applied in order to develop a deep and reflexive analysis of

the results.

Forms and matrices were used for the collection of field data in the

natural forest, we proceeded to collect measurable and

quantifiable information on the phenotypic, dasmetic and

phytosanitary parameters of the candidate trees of the three forest

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species that make up the seed source in the forest of the Mútile

Tropical Botanical Garden.

After running the matrix in the field and analyzing the information,

the results of the parameters and characteristics evaluated for each

of the native trees of the established seed source were defined.

Likewise, a bibliographic review of the subject was carried out to

compare the results. For the definition of the genetic category of

the seed source, interviews were conducted with professors

specialized in the subject.

The methods used were: bibliographic review, scientific,

exploration and descriptive, and the main techniques used were

the instruments that describe the parameters for the evaluation of

the phenotypic and phytosanitary characteristics of the trees and

the qualitative qualitative qualification table of the trees.

The work was developed in the Mutile forest of the Tropical Garden

of the Universidad Técnica Luis Vargas Torres de Esmeraldas -

UTELVT, San Mateo parish, Esmeraldas canton, which has an area

of 867 ha. According to the Ecosystem Classification System of

Continental Ecuador (MAE 2013) these forest remnants present

altitudinal and floristic characteristics of a seasonal lowland

evergreen forest ecosystem of the Equatorial Chocó and are

located between 20 and 300 meters above sea level.

In the Jardín Tropical forest, an area of 20 hectares was selected

where the three commercially valuable species of interest (laurel,

guachapelí and Fernán Sánchez) are found. The area is located in

an altitudinal range of 25 to 125 meters above sea level.

Phase 1. A diagnosis was made of the commercially valuable forest

species present in the Mútile forest.

The areas to be studied are those that within the forest of the

Tropical Garden of the UTELVT are dominated by the three forest

species of commercial interest (Laurel, Guachapelí and Fernán

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Sánchez) and associated with other forest species. The work

consists of two fundamental aspects:

The literature review on the tree forest species of interest and

associated species present in the study area in the Tropical garden.

A description of the forest species of the adult stand and of

economic value and also of the fauna associated with these species

and which are the seed dispersers.

Field trips were conducted to identify the area of interest to

diagnose the characteristic floristic composition, as well as the

surrounding area and rapid phenotypic description of the trees and

their accompanying vegetation, soil type, slope and topography

where the species grow. During the walks it was possible to

identify, count and diagnose the laurel, Fernán Sánchez and

guachapelí trees, which are the species of interest in the study.

Observations of the phenological periods of the species were also

made. All this information was accompanied by photographic

records of the moment when the areas were diagnosed.

Finally, the information resulting from the diagnosis based on the

field visits was processed and analyzed. The most representative

tree families and species of the forest were considered. The canopy

trees that are present in the area and that possibly have a

commercial value due to the uses of these species are described.

The trees that have commercial value and share the same habitat

as the three species of interest in our work are described. The

reason for listing and describing the companion species is so that

in the future they can become new seed sources.

Phase 2. Consists of the evaluation of the trees of the species in

relation to their phenotypic, phytosanitary and dasometric

characteristics.

For the collection of field information on dasometric, phenotypic,

phytosanitary parameters, altitude and geographic coordinates, a

Field Data Record form was used (Annex 1) contained in the

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Manual of methodological procedures for the identification of seed

sources and plus trees of MAGAP (2016).

Laurel, Fernán Sánchez and guachapelí trees that were diagnosed

within the boundaries of the identified lot were selected.

RESULTS

The natural forest of the Mútile Tropical Botanical Garden is

located within the Mútile Hill, located on the southern slope of the

Esmeraldas River (0° 54' N, 79° 37' W), those forest remnants

present altitudinal and floristic characteristics of a seasonal lowland

evergreen forest ecosystem of the Equatorial Chocó (Mena-

Valenzuela, P and J. Valdiviezo-Rivera, 2019). Although the area is

protected by the UTELVT it is subject to encroachment and illegal

timber extraction causing the loss of natural vegetation for the

implementation of agricultural crops.

The forest has a rugged topography, with slopes that fluctuate

between 20% and 60%. There are shallow, shallow depressions

that retain most of the water during the rainy season, which causes

noticeable changes in the vegetation. The soil in the sector is rich

in nutrients with 960 ppm of potassium (K), 15.8 ppm of

phosphorus (P) and 6770 ppm of nitrogen (N), without acidity and

with a pH of 7.1-7.2 (Parker, T.A., III, and J.L. Carr, eds. 1992).

The total richness of Cerros Mútile and Zapallo is represented by

52 families, 112 genera and 182 species. The best represented

families, in the case of the Mútile forest, are Moraceae (16%) is the

family with the highest species richness, followed by Fabaceae

(14%) and Rubiaceae, Sapindaceae and Sapotaceae with 6% each,

Annonaceae and Meliaceae with 5%, Euphorbiaceae, Lauraceae,

Malvaceae and Myrtaceae.

The most representative species for their abundance correspond

to: Sorocea arcocarpa, Faramea occidentalis, Talisia setigera,

Trichilia martiana, Guarea glabra, Pseudolmedia rigida,

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Eschweilera caudiculata and Grias multinervia (Mena-Valenzuela, P

and J. Valdiviezo-Rivera, 2019).

In the area where the seed source is established, the topography

of the terrain is not very rugged (slopes between 20% - 40%), the

natural drainage is moderate in the lower parts, in these places the

water withdraws slowly from the surface also due to the presence

of organic matter produced by tree litter. There are also naturally

fallen trees that are decomposing and contributing organic matter

to the soil.

The study area has an area of 20 hectares (5.7 trees / ha) where the

three species of commercial value were identified (laurel,

guachapelí and Fernán Sánchez), covers an altitudinal range of 25

masl to 125 masl corresponding to a semi-deciduous lowland

forest with a mixture of species of lowland evergreen forest of the

Coastal Cordillera sector of the northern sub-region of the coast of

Ecuador. Geographic coordinates for altitudes above 25 masl

correspond to: 653774.00 - 98990.00 and for 250 masl to:

655645.37 - 99654.39).

Likewise, in the area selected as a seed source there are associated

tree species that are part of the middle and upper canopy (trees

with heights greater than 15 m and diameters greater than 20 cm);

these tree species have commercial value and diversity of uses for

the construction and furniture industry, in addition, some also have

rapid growth (rubber, laurel, Fernán Sánchez, guachapelí, ebony,

beldaco).

The species correspond to: laurel (Cordia alliodora, Boraginaceae),

Fernán Sánchez or muchina (Triplaris cumingiana, Polygonaceae),

guachapelí (Pseudosamanea guachapele, Mimosaceae),

sandalwood (Myroxylon balsamum), ebony (Zizyphus thyrsiflora,

Rhamnaceae), fig tree (Ficus máxima, Moraceae), beldaco

(Pseudobombax milleii, Bombacaceae), moral (Clarisiaracemosa,

Moraceae), merequende (Brosimum guianense), pialde (Guarea

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guidonia, Meliaceae), caucho (Castilla elástica, Moraceae),

guayacán (Minquartia guianensis, Olacaceae), tachuelo

(Zanthoxylum spp. , Rutaceae), sabaleta (Clarisia biflora,

Moraceae), jigua (Ocotea cernua, Lauraceae), clove (Cestrum sp.,

Solanaceae), mahogany (Platymiscium sp. Leguminosae), mambla

(Erythrina poeppigiana, Leguminosae), tillo (Brosimum alicastrum,

Moraceae), dormilón (Cojoba arborea, Fabaceae), ceibo (Ceiba

pentandra, Bombacaceae), nacedera (Cornutia microcalycina,

Verbenaceae), mate (Crescentia cujete). There are also several

species of Ficus (Moraceae) and Inga (Leguminosae) in the area. In

this area of the forest where the species of interest in this study are

located, there is a prevalence of lianas, especially of the

Bignoniaceae family.

In that same area are also found the most common species and the

smallest trees (less than 10 m high) such as: Swartzia haughtii

(Leguminosae), Sorocea sarcocarpa (Moraceae), and Trichilia

pallida (Meliaceae). The most common shrubs (up to 5 m tall)

include Psychotria horizontalis (Rubiaceae); Annona sp.

(Annonaceae); Acalypha sp., Cleidion sp. (Euphorbiaceae); Piper

laevigatum (Piperaceae); Picramnia latifolia (Simaroubaceae);

Eugenia galalonensis (Myrtaceae); and a robust Dieffenbachia

(Araceae).

Three native tree species of the upper canopy (laurel, guachapelí

and Fernán Sánchez) were selected for this work because the

individuals share the same area (20 ha and 5.7 trees / ha), are adult

trees and generate seeds. The trees have acceptable diameters

and heights and correspond to the adult stand, they are scattered

in the forest area, as a sample of the natural regeneration process

or ecological succession after a disturbance.

The three selected species are of ecological importance, as they

are used in agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, in

ornamentation (guachapelí and Fernán Sánchez), and of

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commercial value due to the diversity of uses, they are used by the

industry for construction, elaboration of fine furniture in fine woods.

In forest harvesting, the species are cut as trees outside of the

forest, but they are found as isolated individuals and their densities

and sizes are decreasing.

According to the logging regulations, the minimum cutting

diameter (MCD) for laurel is 40 cm, guachapelí 40 cm and Fernán

Sánchez 30 cm. However, in this study of conservation of seed

sources for laurel diameters at breast height (DBH) were found

between 32 cm and 57 cm and total heights between 14 m and 35

m; for guachapelí the DBH found were 29 cm and 71 cm with total

heights between 14 m and 28 m and for Fernán Sánchez diameters

between 65 cm and 139 cm and total heights between 18 m and

26 m were found.

Phenotypic, phytosanitary and dasometric evaluation of the trees

of commercially valuable forest species in the Mútile forest.

A total of 114 candidate trees were identified and selected for

phenotypic, phytosanitary and dasometric evaluation for the three

commercially valuable forest species (laurel, guachapelí and Fernán

Sánchez) in 20 hectares of area. Forty-two laurel, 38 guachapelí and

34 Fernán Sánchez trees were evaluated (Table 1).

Table 1.

Trees identified for phenotypic and sanitary evaluation in

Bosque Mútile.

ESPECIE

Árbol

Identificado

Superficie

evaluada

(Ha)

Laurel

Guachapelí

Fernán Sánchez o

Muchina

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114

100

Elaboración: Autor 2022

The three species share the same habitat in the natural forest

remnant, therefore, they present altitudinal and floristic

characteristics of a seasonal lowland evergreen forest ecosystem of

the Equatorial Chocó.

According to the tree classification table, it was determined that of

the total (114 individuals) of trees evaluated, 73 reached the rating

of Excellent Trees, which correspond to Class 1, and 41 trees

reached a rating of Good Trees and are in Class 2 (Table 2 and 3).

In this sense, for the laurel species, the phenotypic, phytosanitary

and dasometric parameters of a total of 42 trees of the adult stand

were identified and evaluated.

According to the score calculated for the phenotypic and

phytosanitary evaluation, 25 trees (60%) were rated as Excellent

Trees and obtained values between 27 and 31 points, which

corresponds to Class 1.

On the other hand, 17 trees (40%) achieved a rating of Good trees,

which is between the ranges of 19 to 26 points, corresponding to

Class 2 (Table 2). In this evaluation, 2 trees were found dead and

standing but were not considered for the study due to their

condition.

Table 2.

Rating of trees evaluated according to phenotypic and

phytosanitary evaluation.

ESPECIE

Árbol

Identificado

Árbol

Evaluado

Calificación de los árboles

evaluados

Total de

árboles

calificados

Excelente

(27-31 puntos)

Buena

(19-26 puntos)

Laurel

Guachapelí

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Fernán

Sánchez o

Muchina

114

100

114

Elaboración: Autor 2022

The trees evaluated and qualified in the two categories found in

the study have the following characteristics: in relation to the shape

of the trunk and the bifurcation, 32 trees are found in the upper

canopy and are dominant or co-dominant trees, straight and

without branch bifurcations, however 10 trees had bifurcations in

the upper third. The predominant crown shape characteristic of

the trees is irregular circular for 25 trees (60%), 15 have circular

crowns (35%) and 2 trees have half-circular crowns.

The Mútile forest covers an area of 899.64 hectares and the natural

vegetation cover is the largest with 641.16 hectares of forest area

(71.27%). The recovery area is located next to the Tropical Garden

and has an area of 33.06 hectares and represents 3.67%.

According to Mena-Valenzuela, P and J. Valdiviezo-Rivera (2019),

the best represented families in relation to their abundance in the

Mútile forest, are Moraceae (16%) is the family with the highest

species richness, followed by Fabaceae (14%) and Rubiaceae,

Sapindaceae and Sapotaceae with 6% each, Annonaceae and

Meliaceae with 5%, Euphorbiaceae, Lauraceae, Malvaceae and

Myrtaceae and Bignoniaceae. However, the legume family is the

least diverse in relation to this type of cloud forest (Parker, T.A., III,

and J.L. Carr, eds. 1992.).

On the other hand, the most representative species according to

their abundance are: Sorocea arcocarpa, Faramea occidentalis,

Talisia setigera, Trichilia martiana, Guarea glabra, Pseudolmedia

rigida, Eschweilera caudiculata.

Other species that have commercial value in the market and that

are associated with the species of our study and that possibly have

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lower population density in that sector of the natural forest are:

sandalwood (Myroxylon balsamum), ebony (Zizyphus thyrsiflora,

Rhamnaceae), fig (Ficus máxima, Moraceae), beldaco

(Pseudobombax milleii, Bombacaceae), moral (Clarisiaracemosa,

Moraceae), merequende (Brosimum guianense), rubber (Castilla

elastica, Moraceae), guaiac (Minquartia guianensis, Olacaceae),

sabaleta (Clarisia biflora, Moraceae), jigua (Ocotea cernua,

Lauraceae), mahogany (Platymiscium sp. Leguminosae), mambla

(Erythrina poeppigiana, Leguminosae), tillo (Brosimum alicastrum,

Moraceae), dormilón (Cojoba arborea, Fabaceae), among others.

According to Aguirre (2012), in the case of the species in this study:

Cordia alliodora, Triplaris cumingiana, and Pseudosamanea

guachapele are species that are present in dry forests and have a

greater distribution area, since they can grow and develop in

primary and successional forest from 0 m to 1500 m above sea

level. However, they are not the most representative species of the

Mutile forest. On the other hand, the three species of commercial

value in this study grow at altitudes from 0 to 125 m above sea

level, which corresponds to a semi-deciduous lowland forest with a

mixture of lowland evergreen forest species from the Coastal

Cordillera sector of the northern subregion of the Ecuadorian

coast.

As noted by Mena-Valenzuela, P and J. Valdiviezo-Rivera (2019),

the species laurel, Fernán Sánchez and guachapelí are not among

those of greatest abundance, in our study we were able to learn

that in an area of 20 ha there are about 5.7 trees per hectare for

DBH greater than 30 cm and with commercial heights greater than

15 m.

According to MAGAP (2016), laurel, Fernán Sánchez and

guachapelí are species that are part of the 19 forest and

agroforestry species encouraged for reforestation due to their

demand as raw material for supplying the timber industry, for the

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production of fine furniture and other household products. These

species established in commercial forestry plantations, agroforestry

plantations, and in strips contribute to the reduction of the natural

forest and incorporate new lands with forestry vocation to the

productive sector.

An interesting aspect of the presence of forest species of

commercial value in this forest is the guachapelí tree, which is also

found in this forest with interesting sizes (DBH from 0.30 m to 0.7

m and total heights of 28 m) and was encouraged by MAGAP as a

species for commercial purposes in strips. According to Parker,

T.A., III, and J.L. Carr, eds. (1992), the area where the study species

are found is an area that several decades ago was influenced by

changes in land use and selective exploitation of trees; however,

this situation has changed and there is less disturbance of the

forest, especially in the lower parts due to the activities of the

Tropical Garden of the University.

In the present study it was determined that in the recovery area

adjacent to the Tropical Garden (20 ha of surface for this study)

there are more than a hundred canopy trees with DBH greater than

30 cm with good sizes, healthy and developing of the three species

(laurel, Fernán Sánchez and guachapelí); that there are also other

species that have commercial value but possibly have low

population densities. In this case, the state of development,

growth, phytosanitary and population densities of laurel, Fernán

Sánchez and gachapelí found in the upper canopy trees and with

DBH greater than 30 cm shows that they can be an important

source for seed supply, since trees with these sizes and population

densities in small areas are not present in areas of secondary forest

and outside the forest because they have been harvested. Hence

the need for conservation of these forest genetic resources for

commercially valuable species.

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150

Phenotypic, phytosanitary and dasometric evaluation of trees of

commercially valuable forest species in the Mútile forest.

The three species were identified and selected for phenotypic

valuation due to the commercial value they represent for their

demand as timber for the construction industry and furniture

making, mainly for laurel and Fernán Sánchez. However, for

guachapelí its commercial value is presented as a tree to produce

wood for posts, fences, constructions and cabinetmaking on a

smaller scale.

Before starting the process of phenotypic, phytosanitary and

dasometric evaluation of the candidate trees, it was necessary to

know that the species of interest in the study were present in the

forest area of the Tropical Garden of the university and that they

are young and physiologically mature trees, that the area is not

subject to tree exploitation and is easily accessible. According to

Mena-Valenzuela, P and J. Valdiviezo-Rivera (2019) the area where

the candidate trees to be evaluated are located is located in an

area called Recovery Zone of 33.6 hectares. After a series of visits

to the forest and conversations with the person in charge of the

university's Tropical Garden, it was determined that the area with

the greatest presence of trees is located in this sector.

Although it is true that there are several methods for the selection

and establishment of seed trees with a variety of criteria (tree

comparison method for coetaneous stands, regression or baseline

selection method for disetaneous stands, individual valuation

method for disetaneous or heterogeneous forests). The method

used in our work was the individual valuation that valued 10

parameters and 30 characteristics presented in the Manual of

procedure for the identification of seed sources and plus trees

(MAGAP, 2016). According to the characteristics of the natural

forest that presents environmental variation and trees with different

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ages, the heritability in this type of populations is low from the

point of view of Cornelius, J.P. 2021.

As noted by Grijalba et al, (2016) in their report of the State of

Forest Genetic Resources for Ecuador that several institutions and

organizations have established seed sources in Andean and

Amazonian forests using different methods and criteria for

valuation, although this was important for the selection of seed

trees, there was still a need for a manual with unified criteria for the

phenotypic valuation of trees in natural forests that would allow a

more technical valuation and integrate phenotypic and genotypic

aspects for the founder population as pointed out in the Manual

for the identification, selection and evaluation of seed sources of

MAGAP (2016).

In the study, a total of 114 trees of the three species (laurel, Fernán

Sánchez and guachapelí) were evaluated in two in two types of tree

grades evaluated. It was determined that 73 trees correspond to

Class 1 rated as Excellent Trees and 41 trees achieved a rating of

Good Trees and are in Class 2.

The selection of trees with acceptable phenotypes is for the

conservation of forest genetic resources of commercially valuable

species and for the production of seeds with wide genetic diversity.

Cornelius (2021) mentions that the use of seeds with low genetic

diversity can cause problems due to inbreeding depression, for this

reason, he suggests that seed collection should be done from at

least 20 individual trees. As a result of the study, the phenotypically

acceptable qualified trees correspond to 42 individuals of laurel,

34 individuals of Fernán Sánchez and 38 of guachapelí.

All qualified trees have a DBH equal to or greater than 30 cm, in

order to be physiologically mature and capable of producing viable

seeds.

For this study, the distance between the selected seed trees was

20 m, regardless of the species; however, the founding seed

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152

population could be expanded in the future to favor the

development of superior material.

Although the phenotypic, phytosanitary and dasometric aspects

are included in the results, it should be noted that the three species

show a good state of health, likewise, the laurel trees show

homogeneous sizes in DBH, but diverse in total heights, it should

be noted that the site where the trees are located is a recovery area

or secondary forest in development and competition with

associated species.

It is important to note that the weighted values for DBH are 0.99

(DBH = 57 cm), for commercial height 1 (Hc = 28 m) and for total

height 1 (Ht = 35 m), one of the reasons for these sizes is explained

by the condition in which these trees grow and the state of health

of the natural forest. Trees of these sizes are no longer found in

areas outside the forest and in protected forests their sizes are

smaller in relation to population densities.

In the case of Fernán Sánchez, which is a dioecious species with a

Dioecia sexual system (it has male and female flowers in different

trees), there are 34 individuals with very interesting DBH and

heterogeneous heights, due to the condition of the sexual system

of the species, it is necessary to know the percentage of male and

female trees within the selected source.

The values of the phenotypic characteristics are 17 individuals for

Excellent Qualification and 17 trees for Good Qualification, the

differences between these two categories, mainly lies in the sizes

of the diameters, heights and the bifurcation in the upper third of

the tree.

Initially we had pointed out that this species is part of the recovery

zone, which is a secondary forest with some clearings and

moderate slopes. Possibly the reason for the homogeneity in DBH

and total tree heights in this species is that the trees are growing

and developing in the open field since it is a pioneer species of the

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secondary forest and there is also less disturbance in the recovery

area.

For the characteristics evaluated for the guachapeli trees, the study

was able to show that 38 canopy trees were evaluated; 31 are

qualified as Excellent Trees and 7 individuals as Good Trees, on

the other hand, the weighted values for DBH correspond to 0.7

which shows certain homogeneity in the diameters found which are

less than 45 cm, only few individuals reached values of 60 to 70 cm

in diameter. However, under this same analysis heterogeneous

weighted values were found that are less than 0.6 for both total

heights and commercial heights.

This is the only one of the three species that showed much

variability in the measurements of total heights, commercial

heights and diameters, this is possibly due to the fact that the trees

are in competition with other species and that it was probably the

species selectively harvested several years ago. However, under

this analysis most of the trees achieved a rating of excellent trees.

It should be noted that this species is deciduous and grows in areas

outside the forest, as isolated individuals and with limited

competition.

According to MAGAP (2016) and Aguirre (2012) guachapelí, in

addition to producing wood of high strength and quality, is a tree

that provides a lot of high quality forage for livestock, fixes nitrogen

and is drought resistant. Guachapelí has a high potential as a

quality raw material for the timber industry, as long as the area

planted with trees is increased. Therefore, it is important to

encourage the establishment of trees with quality seeds from

conserved seed sources.

In the case of phenotypic, phytosanitary and dasometric

assessment for native trees of commercial value, using a

methodology with unified criteria it has been difficult to establish

comparisons with other studies (Valladolid et al., 2017, Moreno et

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154

al., 2018), because some studies are conducted for trees in

plantations with coeval ages and with fewer phenotypic parameters

and characteristics to evaluate.

Characterized seed-producing sources of commercially valuable

species for conservation.

In order to improve the protocols for forest propagation of

commercially valuable species of laurel, Fernán Sánchez and

guachapelí and to promote the conservation of genetic resources,

three seed sources were established in the Tropical Garden of the

Mútile forest.

Forest seed sources are the basis for implementing forest genetic

improvement programs. As stated by Cornelius (2021a), seed

sources are not available until they have been located, identified

and documented. Gutiérrez (2019) refers that it is widely accepted

that in any reforestation work it is of great importance to know the

origin or provenance of the material to be established.

Different forms of characterization of the trees can contribute to the

efficiency of harvesting and in the quality of the seed, for our study

the sources were characterized from the evaluation of phenotypic,

phytosanitary and dasometric parameters under parameters and

characteristics with weighted values that allowed defining a

classification of the trees that make up the seed source.

Cordia alliodora (laurel), Triplaris cumingiana (Fernán Sánchez) and

Pseudosamanea guachapele (guachapelí) are species of

commercial value for the country, with a diversity of uses and widely

used especially in the construction industry and fine furniture

production. However, there are no records of published works on

conservation and genetic improvement; what is found are works on

the selection of seed sources of forest species in the Andean region

and the Amazon developed by different institutional actors, but as

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specific actions and not from the management for seed production

(Grijalva et al., 2016).

The seed source defined in the genetic category Identified Source

for the three species of the study consists of 114 trees. The results

of the evaluation of phenotypic, phytosanitary and dasometric

characteristics state that 73 trees achieved a rating of Excellent

Trees (Class 1) and 41 trees obtained a rating of Good Trees (Class

2).

The greatest contribution of Class 1 trees corresponds to

guachapelí (31 individuals) and laurel (25 individuals), while Fernán

Sánchez contributed 17 individuals. For Class 2, laurel contributed

17 individuals, Fernán Sánchez 17 trees and guachapelí 7

individuals.

The analysis of the results of the phenotypic and phytosanitary

evaluation showed that most of the trees evaluated are in Class 1

and Class 2; which reveals that they are dominant and co-dominant

trees, straight with little sinuosity in the stem and that they present

bifurcations in the upper 1/3, they are healthy and vigorous trees

for those in Class 1. Likewise, Class 2 trees are dominant or co-

dominant with slight sinuosity in the stem, with slightly inclined,

thick and medium thick branches, they can present bifurcations in

the middle third, this aspect can be characteristic for Fernán

Sánchez. In this work there were no Class 3 trees (unacceptable

trees).

Once the number of trees qualified in the different classes has been

determined, we proceeded to define that the seed source should

be formed by the 114 individuals of Class 1 and Class 2. Under

these considerations, it is proposed that the collection of forest

seeds be made from the trees that make up Class 1 and Class 2 for

the three commercially valuable forest species.

Once the number of phenotypically acceptable trees was defined,

the type of seed source that corresponds to the evaluated lot was

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156

determined in order to declare it as a seed-producing area.

According to the Forest Seed Standard for Ecuador (MAE, 2004)

and the Manual for the identification of seed sources and trees plus

MAGAP (2016), 5 genetic categories of seed sources were

established: Proven Seed Orchard - HSC, Unproven Seed Orchard

- HSNC, Seed Stands - RS, Selected Seed Source - FSS and

Identified Seed Source - FSI.

For the genetic categorization of the seed source or seed stand it

is required to comply with some characteristics: area of the stand

or seed producing area, number of trees per hectare that make up

the seed stand, number of trees suggested for seed collection and

the area of isolation of the stand or seed source depending on the

genetic category.

In our study the seed source is formed by a total of 114 trees of the

three forest species: 42 trees for laurel, 38 trees for guachapelí and

34 trees for Fernán Sánchez, the area occupied by the seed source

for the three species is 20 hectares, the number of trees

recommended for seed collection in Class 1 and Class 2 is greater

than 30 individuals.

With the information obtained, it was determined that the

corresponding genetic category for the seed producing area is the

Identified seed source, since this type of seed source has as criteria

that the stand has less than 50 trees per hectare with desirable

phenotypic characteristics, the area is less than 1 hectare and

suggests the collection of seeds from at least 20 trees in the stand,

these stands do not present isolation because they are considered

a temporary seed source in the absence of other seed sources.

The size of the source can vary in relation to the characteristics of

the seeds, it is necessary to maximize the number of seed trees in

a managed forest. In the case of dioecious species, such as Fernán

Sánchez, it is important to leave the same number of male and

female trees to avoid a genetic bottleneck and as a result reduce

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the extent of genetic variation in the species (Cornelius, J.P.

2021b).

As stated by Brockerhoff et al., (2017), the diversity of forest

structure and composition must be maintained at regional and

landscape scales as a spatial insurance to provide habitats for a

large assemblage of specialized forest species. The first efforts to

try to conserve forest genetic resources in fragmented natural

forests with a significant number of commercially valuable species

stem from this type of work that seeks to establish seed sources

with phenotypically acceptable trees to ensure the conservation of

genetic variation. It is important to note that this type of forest, of

which very few remain in a healthy form in the province of

Esmeraldas, provides habitat for other taxa (legumes, lianas and

lianas) and other key ecosystem services (animal pollination) for the

functioning of the forest ecosystem, for this reason, it is important

to deepen studies with basic metrics (abundance, species

composition, phenotypic and dasometric assessment, among

others) in order to have data to implement actions to reduce the

loss of species.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification, selection and evaluation of forest seed sources

is essential for the development and sustainability of afforestation

and reforestation programs implemented at the regional or

national level, which will help to obtain quality seeds or

propagation material.

Forest species present a great variability of characters related to

adaptation to different ecological conditions. This variability can

have a marked effect on growth, health, development and

production. Hence the need to conserve seed sources or seed-

producing areas with phenotypic and genetic characteristics similar

to the site where the plantation will be established.

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158

Three seed sources of forest species were characterized: laurel

(Cordia alliodora, Boraginaceae), Fernán Sánchez or muchina

(Triplaris cumingiana, Polygonaceae), guachapelí (Pseudosamanea

guachapele, Mimosaceae) with 114 trees and 20 ha of surface, the

trees are located between the altitudinal ranges of 25 to 125 masl

of the native forest Mútile, and their parameters and characteristics

were evaluated as positive using the MAG (2016) methodology that

has unified criteria for the establishment and conservation of seed

sources in natural forests.

It is determined that the 3 seed sources have phenotypically

acceptable trees because in the qualitative qualification they

reached ratings of Excellent Trees (Class 1) and Good Trees

(Class2). Of the total number of trees evaluated, 73 were rated

Excellent and 41 Good trees. For laurel, 25 trees were rated

Excellent and 17 Good Trees; for guachapelí 31 individuals are

Excellent and 7 are Good and for Fernán Sánchez 17 are Excellent

Trees and 17 are Good Trees.

The three forest species that make up the seed source of interest

occupy the same habitat and their population densities as canopy

trees are low (5.7 trees / ha for the 3 species), since they are natural

forest species. However, these trees have appreciable sizes and

development and are located in an area of easy accessibility and

undulating to flat topography that facilitates the conservation and

management of the seed source.

According to the categories of seed sources established in the

Procedure Manual for the identification of seed sources and plus

trees (MAGAP, 2016 and MAE, 2004), it is established that the seed

sources are qualified in the Genetic Category of Identified Seed

Source - FSI, due to the low density of canopy trees (it is not a forest

plantation) and has more than 20 individuals with phenotypic,

health and dasometric characteristics acceptable to be considered

as seed trees.

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In relation to the quantitative parameters and the number of seed

trees registered in one hectare, they do not comply with what is

suggested in genetic conservation studies such as from Cornelius

2021a, which suggests that for genetic variability to exist, the seed

source must contain at least 50 mother trees, However, the

established seed source reaches more than 30 seed trees in each

species, which represents an apt number for seed collection as

pointed out by MAGAP (2016) and Cornelius (2021b).

According to the qualitative parameters of the seed trees

evaluated, it is determined that for the three species there are trees

that achieved ratings of Excellent Trees and Good Trees, which

suggests that seeds can be collected from both classes, taking into

consideration what is suggested by Cornelius (2021b), MAGAP

(2016) and MAE (2004).

Based on the dasometric parameters found for the three species:

laurel (Cordia alliodora), Fernán Sánchez or muchina (Triplaris

cumingiana), guachapelí (Pseudosamanea guachapele), it can be

noted that guachapelí trees show weighted values higher than 0.7

for DBH and 1 for total and commercial heights, for laurel it reached

0.99 for DBH and 1 for heights and for Fernán Sánchez it reached

weighted values of 1 for DBH and 1 for total and commercial

heights, which indicates that the trees are dominant and co-

dominant and have good development in both heights and

diameters. These dasometric characteristics associated with the

phenotypic and phytosanitary characteristics of the population,

define it as a suitable seed source for seed collection in the

absence of other seed sources.

The species Triplaris cumingiana is a dioecious species that for our

study the seed source consists of 34 phenotypically acceptable

trees, however, we do not know the number of female and male

trees in this source. In the case of dioecious species, it is necessary

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to select in the natural forest the same number of seed trees and

male trees to ensure an acceptable amplitude in genetic variation.

The Mutile forest contains important species of commercial value

that need to be qualified as seed sources for the supply of seeds

for reforestation programs of commercial species. It is important

that these studies continue and expand in order to document

phenotypic and genetic variability in more depth, and thus better

support the management of forest genetic resources.

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