Within its native range (Central and northern South America), B.quinata is a highly valued timber, often used in living fence rows. It has attracted considerable investment, resulting in the establishment of thousands of hectares, both through reforestation by resource-poor farmers and by commercial companies. A lack of both seed, and information directly applicable to the planting and silvicultural management of B.quinata has, however, limited the extent and success of such investment. Considerable silvicultural research on B.quinata has been carried out. However, the results, often unpublished, are of variable quality; and when published are not widely disseminated. Reliable growth models, and volume tables for B.quinata, are limited to specific areas within a few countries. Recommendations for one ecological zone may not be applicable to others, so that the application of blanket views, such as "Pochote (B.quinata) can grow on any site, particularly hill tops," has led to economic losses and disincentives to reafforestation. The comparative evaluation and collation of silvicultural research results from across the region into one monograph, would provide more reliable growth and economic indicators of success, on different sites.

There have also been substantial problems with respect to seed quality and quantity. As a consequence of demand for B.quinata seed, seed orchards have been established in three countries within the natural distribution, but yields have varied from 1kg to 5.5kg per ha. Results from previous work indicate that various interventions are possible, to alleviate problems associated with seed production; e.g.: genetic variation in remnant stands and fence lines implications of the breeding system/flowering synchrony, improvements in seed orchard design, and management including the control of insect seed pests. Lack of quality seed puts in doubt the predictability and dependability of resulting planting stock, or of plantings to achieve expected yields, placing substantial investments, both in time and money, at risk. This, in turn, may act as a disincentive to future planting. Similarly, despite the potential of B.quinata and the extent of plantation initiatives, the level of development and use of the species varies considerably between countries in the region. To understand the social, economic and market factors that determine the domestication and use of B.quinata in the different countries of Central America, Colombia and Venezuela, there is a need to study the wide range of factors that influence the attractiveness of B. quinata to the potential growers, who range from resource-poor farmers to commercial companies in the forest industry.

To enable communication of results from research on B.quinata to key users. Supporting research will identify social, economic and market factors that determine the use and profitability of B.quinata in the different countries of Central/South America.

• The completion, in Spanish, of a monograph on B.quinata as described in the Research Activities section. Such monographs have proved an effective and popular means for transference of information. Given the regional importance and interest in B.quinata, dissemination of the monograph will be concentrated in Central and northern South America, through collaborating organisations.
• Publication of a sample extension manual on growth and socio-economic aspects of B.quinata. This will be prepared by CONSEFORH, and apart from being an important part of their dissemination activities, will illustrate how the monograph may be used to prepare extension material on specific topics.