5.1. Research on forest genetic resources
5.2. Training
Provenance evaluation trials of exotic species and establishment of seed orchards started in 1960s. Work has been completed for provenance studies and evaluation of native species e.g. Acacia senegal and Acacia nilotica. Research is also been completed on phenology, fruit characteristics, seeds problems and nursery techniques for some multipurpose trees including Adansonia digitata, Parkia biglobosa and Moringa oleifera. There is an on-going research programme on shelterbelts, wind breaks, sand dunes, fixation and amelioration of micro-climate for agricultural production within the region. Research work is currently in progress in some of the research stations and institutions and within and outside the region on provenance selections, evaluation, vegetative propagation, clonal and progeny studies while aspects of population distribution and phenology have been completed for Parkia biglobosa under EEC (European Economic Community) fund. Extensive work has been done on variability of Acacia sp. and Parkia biglobosa.
As a result of the activities of IUFRO 1987, training in aspects of breeding including species biology, vegetative propagation, clonal and progeny studies and orchard management have been given to some field staff. Presently the region has several Strict Natural Reserves. Most of the research stations are also equipped with storage facilities for forest genetic materials. As indicated earlier, what remains are funds for maintenance and repairs. Many institutions also exist within the region where staff can be trained in various aspects of forest genetic conservation including tissue culture while the Centre for Genetic Conservation (NACGRAB) also enjoys some training facilities in this field.
