Initiation of gelam (Melaleuca cajuputy subsp. cumingiana) genetic resources conservation in South Sumatra

Abstract

Abstract. Hadiyan Y, Muslimin I, Sofyan A, Setiawan A, Rusdi, Bastoni, Haryjanto L. 2018. Initiation of gelam (Melaleuca cajuputy subsp. cumingiana) genetic resources conservation in South Sumatra. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 5: 406-413. Peatland degradation caused by illegal logging, fires, and conversion of the land for various agricultural, infrastructure and industrial purposes has led to reduced biodiversity and loss of genetic resources of some native tree species. One of the potential species of peatlands that its population continues to decline is Gelam (Melaleuca cajuputy subsp. cumingiana). Its natural distribution is found in South Sumatra where this province is fragile of forest fires and other pressures, so that Gelam wood that needed by the community for construction and others purposes is no longer normally fulfilled, but on the other hand, in the ex-peatland fires area, Gelam is one of the prospective pioneering plants. For that reason,  the activity of conserving genetic material and providing the seed sources of Gelam  in the future is crucial. Gelam's genetic resources conservation initiation has been undertaking by mapping the distribution of mother trees, collecting genetic material, extracting the seeds and nursery. The results of the activities were:  collection of 35 mother trees (population of South Sumatra) and 25 mother trees (population of Bangka Belitung),  extraction of seeds and nursery have been carried out at  Kemampo, Palembang (± 4.500seedling). These materials are provided for the establishment of the Gelam Genetic Resources Conservation plot in South Sumatra next year.