Street trees’ heat reduction ability and innovations on seedling production of Pterocarpus indicus willd

Date

6-2025

Abstract

The use of native forest tree species (NFTs) in the urban landscape in the Philippines remains limited. This study was conducted to promote the use of NFTs and advance the science of urban forestry in the country. Street trees' heat reduction ability as affected by species origin and location was determined by subjecting the measured tree traits and microclimate parameters in t-test and correlation analysis. The most preferred native trees, constraints in their use, and the nursery operators' perception on NFTs as urban trees were identified using key informant interviews (KIIs). Moreover, a low-cost epicormic shoot production and rooting induction experiments were conducted for Prerocarpus indicus using improvised clonal facility and with parameters analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation analysis. Finally, a financial analysis using the net present value (NPV), benefit-cost ratio (BCR), internal rate of return (IRR). sensitivity analysis, and risk analysis was undertaken to compare the profitability between two modes of seedling production (seed origin and rooted cuttings). Results revealed a significant variation in street trees' heat reduction ability as affected by locational differences but not in terms of species origin. KII showed that seedling producers, sellers, and buyers were unfamiliar with NFTs, but recognized their importance as urban trees.

Additionally, P. indicus was identified as the most preferred NFTs and seedlings of seed origin remain the most common mode of seedling production in the subject municipalities,. Meanwhile, epicormic shoot production was successful in summer but the rooting induction was more effective during rainy season. Furthermore, financial analysis indicated that while either of the two modes of seedling production is a good investment venture, the rooted cutting was more profitable than seed origin. Finally, not only the cloning protocols developed can help promote the use of native trees in urban areas, results of other studies conducted such as the heat reduction ability of street trees, perception of nursery owners in the use of NFTs, and financial analysis could also use as guides for future studies and basis for crafting policies and guidelines by the government related to the inclusion and/or removal of street trees to achieve a greener and more sustainable urban landscape.

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry

College

Graduate School (GS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Enrique L. Tolentino

Co-adviser

Roberto G. Visco

Committee Member

Margaret M. Calderon, Nappy L. Navarra

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

PTEROCARPUS INDICUS; SEEDLING PRODUCTION; PRIMARY FORESTS; URBAN FORESTRY; EVAPOTRANSPIRATION ZONE

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