Vietnam

The Role of Acacia Hybrids in the Reforestation Program in Vietnam
Prof. Dr Le Dinh Kha
Research Centre for Forest Tree Improvement
Forest Science Institute of Vietnam
Tuliem, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84 4 8347813
Fax: +84 4 8362280
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The forest cover in Vietnam has decreased from 43% in 1945 to 29% at present. Wars and over exploitation of natural forests have both contributed to the reduction. In 1998 the Vietnamese government embarked on a national reforestation program. Under this program 2 million ha of production forest and 1 million ha of protection forest will be established over the period 1999 - 2010.

Selection and breeding of new tree species with high productivity and adaptability will make a significant contribution to the implementation of the national planting program. Hybrids of Acacia mangium and A. auriculiformis are among many species selected for reforestation work. The occurrence of these hybrids in Vietnam and their important features are described.


A 5-month old acacia hybrid plantation in Ha Tay province, Vietnam

Occurrence of acacia hybrids in Vietnam
In Vietnam, natural hybrids of A. mangium and A. auriculiformis have been detected in A. mangium plantations derived from seed collected in species trials at Ba Vi (Ha Tay province), Trang Bom (Dong Nai province) and Tan Tao (Ho Chi Minh City). The hybrids at Ba Vi were a result of natural crosses between Daintree provenance (Queensland Australia) of A. mangium and Darwin provenance (Northern Territory, Australia) of A. auriculiformis. The hybrids at Trang Bom were of Mossman provenance (Queensland) of A. mangium, but their male parents came from an unknown provenance of A. auriculiformis.