Non-industrial tree species form an integral component in many tropical agricultural systems, ranging from tending individual trees which have regenerated naturally to intensive management of planted fodder banks. For a variety of reasons, a small number of mainly exotic species have dominated tree planting activities in the non-industrial sector with information on their growth performance creating an ever increasing demand for seed. Links between tree breeders and small farmers have, however, traditionally been weak with the result that single, ad hoc introductions have often formed the basis of the subsequent spread of species throughout a country or region. This has not only resulted in problems including susceptibility to pest attack or a lack of tolerance of a wide range ecological conditions, but, in addition, experience from programmes designed to evaluate genetic diversity in tree species has shown that early introductions are almost always inferior in terms of performance to other sources of seed from within the native range of species in question.

Germplasm of multi-purpose tree species secured and improved.

• Establishment of Leuceana and Calliandra evaluation networks.
• Regional management of Leucaena network established.
• Means of uptake of results from MPT improvement activities defined.
• Seed orchard design improved.