Production of Corypha Elata Roxb. (`Buri') Planting Stock Using Wildlings

News source: Philippine Council for Agriculture,
Forestry and Natural Resources
Research and Development
For further information, see Tura, C. Buri wildling production. DENR- ERDS, Region VII, 2000., 2003-03-01

A study was conducted to assess the growth performance of Corypha elata (`buri') as affected by collection method and size of wildlings. Buri belongs to the palm family that grows in low to medium altitudes throughout the Philippines.

Different Uses for Fiber, Stem Etc. of Palm

As a minor forest plant, the different parts of buri, like the trunk, stem, leaves, buds, and fruits, have many uses. Its petiole is a source of `buntal' fiber, the only material used in making `Lucban' hats, popularly made in Southern Luzon. The unopened leaf or shoot is a source of raffia fiber used in making cloth, good quality hats, mats, and bags. The stem has a potential as building material. Buri production provides an alternative source of income for farmers and producers. Buri production enhances ecological rehabilitation and biodiversity in open areas.

Due to limited supply of buri seedlings as planting material, buri wildlings as alternative was highly recommended. Buri wildlings were found abundant under the patches of buri palms.

Wildlings Have Good Survival Rate

The best planting materials, aside from seeds, are earthballed buri wildlings with five to seven leaves because they attain 100% survival rate due to their fully developed root system. Collected wildlings are placed in bamboo baskets or any suitable container for transport to the nursery, and then potted in 5 in x 8 in polyethylene bags with pulverized potting medium. The wildlings are watered right after potting. In the nursery, they are watered only as necessary.

Hardening for One Year

Potted wildlings are maintained in the nursery for 1 year including the hardening and conditioning period. They are hardened for 6 months by gradually exposing the plants to direct sunlight and minimizing water.

Download the PDF. of this document, 22,510 bytes (22.0 KB).