Trees are of great value to many rural communities of developing countries. Depending upon the situation, trees can be used as fuelwood for cooking and heating, as roundwood timbers for construction and fencing, as lumber for household uses, as food for people and fodder for animals, as shade from the sun and shelter from wind, and in many instances, for stabilization of soils. Unfortunately, the potential of forestry in rural communities, particularly those in marginal environments, has often been neglected due to incomplete understanding of management practices for multipurpose tree species that could possibly be utilized to the benefit of the rural poor.
A particular need exists to increase the available information on multipurpose tree species in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, such as Latin America, where serious imbalances between requirements for and availability of wood resources already occur. The effects of these imbalances, which are becoming more acute with growing population pressures, will eventually be felt in all facets of rural life. Furthermore, depletion of natural vegetation will undoubtedly increase ecological fragility and contribute to a gradual degradation of the resource base (Palmberg 1981).
In response to the above, it has become necessary to initiate both conservation and artificial regeneration programs to grow multipurpose trees at the rural community level. To the extent possible, these programs should be centered on the selection of tree species with desirable growth and value characteristics for each locality. As an example, tree species of the genus Prosopis, especially tree species that produce useful wood and forage, offer promise for planting in arid and semi-arid regions, such as in Latin America. Of particular importance, a common use of Prosopis is as fuelwood, a commodity that is often in limited supply.
The relatively large investments generally required by planting programs make it highly desirable to start with genetically and physiologically good seed. A review of pertinent literature and current practices relating to the collection, handling, storage, and pre-treatment of seed of Prosopis species to be collected in Latin America under the FAO/IBPGR Project on Conservation of Genetic Resources of Arid and Semi-Arid Zone Arboreal Species, has been undertaken to develop guidelines on these matters for the practitioner. Guidelines based on the review are presented below.
