| European
Tropical Forest Research Network |
APPEAL FOR COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH ON SISSOO (Dalbergia sissoo) DECLINE IN NEPAL
The accelerated rate of deforestation in the past in Nepal has led to extensive forest degradation. Fortunately some of the country's fast-growing species have become very popular for plantations. In the last two decades, 'sissoo' (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) has been the most popular plantation species in both the private and government sector because of its fast growing nature, good quality timber, easy propagation, drought resistance, etc. Sissoo is a nitrogen-fixing leguminous multipurpose tree, occurring in the lowland region of Nepal up to altitudes of 1000m. It is an important reforestation species on the Terai plains. The tree occurs naturally in the successional stages of the sal forests (Shorea robusta, Gaertn.). Unfortunately, for the last few years, sissoo has been in decline all over Nepal, particularly in monoculture plantation forests. No causes for the decline have yet been determined. I would be interested to work with a research institution on this topic.
For further information, please contact:
Dr S P Sah
Asst. Professor
GPO Box 5967
Kathmandu
Nepal
Tel: +977 1 470041
Fax: +977 1 486895
E-mail: ssah@wlink.com.np
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IMPROVEMENT OF NEEM (AZADIRACHTA INDICA) AND ITS POTENTIAL BENEFITS TO POOR FARMERS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Azadirachta indica (neem) is a tree with pesticidal properties. Although, used for centuries in India, neem remains under-exploited within its natural range and where introduced. This project, funded by the Forestry Research Programme of the UK Department for International Development, will assess constraints to the development of neem and its products for the benefit of poor farmers and provide a prioritised assessment of research and development requirements. Fieldwork carried out in Ghana and India and through a postal questionnaire will contribute to findings. An electronic workshop, held in late 1999 will allow findings to be appraised. Requests are made for contact details of those who have worked or are working with neem and would like to contribute to the postal questionnaire or email workshop.
For further information please contact:
Felicity Childs
Henry Doubleday Research Association
Ryton-on-Dunsmore
Coventry CV8 3LG
United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 1203 308300.
Fax: + 44 1203 639229
E-mail: fchilds@hdra.org.uk
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PROSOPIS JULIFLORA AND RELATED ARBOREAL SPECIES: A MONOGRAPH, EXTENSION MANUAL AND DATABASE
This project aims to summarise the present state of knowledge on Prosopis juliflora and complexing species, probably the most widespread species in the arid zones of the world. Much has been published and in many languages, but as yet, no synthesis exists. Funded by the Forestry Research Programme of the UK Department for International Development, this project will produce a scientific monograph, and also a practical, technical manual aimed at India, covering management and product processing. Along with these will be a database on CD-ROM, including references on all aspects of Prosopis species. We are requesting information on relevant projects in progress and lists of publications on Prosopis species, preferably in electronic format. All sources will be gratefully acknowledged.
For further information, please contact:
N.M. Pasiecznik
HDRA
Ryton-on-Dunsmore
Coventry CV8 3LG
United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 1203 308200
Fax: +44 1203 639229;
E-mail: npasiecznik@hdra.org.uk
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IDENTIFICATION OF TROPICAL MEDICINAL PLANTS IN KENYA
Jack Wafula has initiated a herbal medicine project and is seeking technical advice and materials relating to this field, and, if possible, funding sources.
For further information, please contact:
Jack Wafula
Box 126
Endebess
Kenya
Fax: +25 43253 1462
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CALL FOR AUTHORS FOR PROSEA, Plant Resources Of South East Asia, Vol. 14
'Vegetable oils and fats'
The PROSEA Publication Office has started with preparations for the volume on 'vegetable oils and fats'.
Collectively, oil crops and their products are one of the most valuable commodities in world trade. The bulk of vegetable oils and fats are used for edible purposes, either directly or indirectly through high-protein animal feed. However, there are many technical uses (pharmaceutical products, soaps, paints, cosmetics, lubrication, candles, etc.) increasing the applicability of vegetable oils and fats in the industrial markets. A thorough review of lesser-known species and traditional uses and applications will contribute to this versatility.
The species list for the volume has been prepared with care, but it is quite possible that species still have to be added. You are invited to give your advice. Please keep in mind that many oil-bearing plants (peanut, soya bean, maize, lac tree, cotton, linseed, perilla, poppy) have already been described, or will be described, in other volumes of the PROSEA Handbook.
List of taxa:
In case you are interested to contribute as an author on one or more of the above-mentioned species or genera, please notify the Publication Office. To help the editors in making an appropriate selection, please indicate your important former publications on the subject.
Applications should be sent to:
Dr. J. S. Siemonsma
Head PROSEA Publication Office
Wageningen Agricultural University
P.O.Box 341
6700 AH Wageningen
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 317 484587
Fax: +31 317 482206
Email: prosea@pros.agro.wau.nl
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NEW FAO FOREST INVENTORY MANUAL
FAO Forest Resources Division is planning to review and update the 'Manual of Forest Inventory' (FAO Forestry Paper no. 27, Rome 1981) to provide professionals and operators engaged in the evaluation and management of forest resources with a practical handbook for assessing and monitoring forests and tree resources all over the world. The revision of the former forest inventory manual is required not only to disseminate knowledge on new methodologies and technologies, but also to improve the efficiency of national and sub-national inventory operations and facilitate the comparison and combination of the resources data obtained from different inventories. FAO Forest Resources Division would like to establish a network of professionals active in different technical and methodological aspects of forest resources assessment and monitoring to share experiences, obtain advice on the main topics to be covered by the publication, and to achieve a broad dissemination of relevant achievements and issues in assessing and monitoring forest resources at various scales and for different purposes. If you are interested in participating in the initiative please contact:
Giovanni Preto
Senior Forestry Officer
FAO Forest Resources Division
via delle Terme di Caracalla
00100 - Rome, Italy.
Tel. +39 06 5705 5173
Fax. +39 06 5705 5825
E-mail: Giovanni.Preto@fao.org
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