Anucha Chantaraboon, Intawat Burikam, Savent Pampasit, and Ratchada Pongsattayapipat

pp. 357 - 362

Abstract

This study purposes to find a practical method to increase the number of sugar-palm (Tao) trees and restore the
community forest in northern Thailand. The experiments dealt with three aspects of sugar-palm seedlings. These were: 1) to
find the most efficient method of propagation, 2) to search for the best way for separation and transplantation, and 3) to find
the best growth promoter. This project was conducted from October 2005 to June 2007 at San Charoen Village, Pha Thong
Community, Tha Wang Pha District, Nan Province. The results were as follows: Firstly, trimming both ends of 36-month-old
sugar-palm seeds provided the shortest period of germination. As a side benefit, it was easier to peel the seeds out of the
fruit. Secondly, the most efficient way of separating seedlings was transplanting them immediately with their one leaf cut
two-thirds off. Spraying with water every two hours during the first week guaranteed 82 percent of survival of the seedlings.
Lastly, 15-15-15, 13-13-21 and 46-0-0 fertilizer formulations promoted the growth of one- to three-year sugar-palm seedlings.
These seedlings produced more new green emerging leaves than the unfertilized plant. However, when economics are
considered, the non-fertilizer application gave a better net benefit than the three fertilizer formulations. Therefore, we recommend that the sugar-palm be planted in community forests in northern Thailand using plenty of water, with a proper
tillage practice, and without costly fertilizer. We also imply that farmers will be more confident in restoring their sugar-palm
forests using this technique because they have an active role in the research project.