F
Explore and safeguard the genetic resources of rattan species with and emphasis on the following useful species : Calamus manan, C. caesius, C. trachycholeus, C. subinermis, defined as the priority species of the project.

F
Improve the quality of the genetic material to be used in forthcoming plantation programmes.

F
Refine and develop silvicultural techniques, including harvesting, in order to maximize the gain expected from planting genetically improved material.

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Exploration and evaluation of the diversity of rattans. Activities will be carried out at the level of the ecosystems, taxonomical review with emphasis on Papua New Guinea and Irian Jaya where the rattan flora is not yet well known, and at the species level, study of the intraspecific genetic diversity for the priority species. Classical techniques will be used (herbarium specimen, chromosomes counting, ...) along with more advanced methods when appropriate (isoenzymes and/or DNA markers), especially for the estimation of the intra specific genetic diversity.

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Conservation of the genetic resources of rattans. The emphasis will be put on ex situ methods, living collection will be established. Collections will be of two types, an "arboretum" of small plots (20 individuals) of any rattan species and a large collection including as many origins as possible from the whole range for each of the priority species.

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Establishment of a rattan improvement programme. As a pre-requisite, a study of the reproductive biology of rattan will be undertaken : phenology, pollination mechanisms and breeding system. Cloning techniques will be developed in order to multiply selected genotypes for the estimation of genotype x site interactions. Emphasis will also be put on the definition of selection criteria including cane quality.

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Techniques used for plantations will be refined or developed according to needs. Studies of seed handling will be carried out for the priority species (seed physiology, seed storage, seed born diseases). As rattan are climbing palms, plantation techniques under logged over-forest or fast growing tree plantation will be studies. Harvesting techniques will also be evaluated.