Genetic variations of 15 teak (Tectona grandis) clones planted at the northwestern and northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Nor Fadilah Wook, . and Mohd Zaki Abdullah, . and Farah Fazwa Md Ariff, . and Sures Kumar Muniandi, . and Ahmad Fauzi Mohd Shariff, . and Muhammad Asri Lias, . (2023) Genetic variations of 15 teak (Tectona grandis) clones planted at the northwestern and northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia. International Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and Plantation (Malaysia), 13. pp. 263-269. ISSN 2462-1757

Tectona grandis, locally known as teak, is listed as one of the nine selected species in the forest plantation development program (PPLH) initiated by the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) to ensure the sustainability of timber supply. However, even though teakwood is used worldwide for its alluring aesthetics and high economic value, not many industrial planters in Malaysia are willing to plant T. grandis due to the slow-growing nature of this species and the longer maturity period. Therefore, the selection process to ensure that only high-quality planting materials are planted in the forest plantations is very crucial. This long decade’s study is conducted to provide high-quality planting sources of T. grandis that can grow optimally in Peninsular Malaysia. Progeny and clonal trials are vital to test the performance of different genotypes under local climates. During the early introduction in the 1950s, T. grandis was planted in the northern states of Malaysia (Perlis and Langkawi Island) and Sabah. A resource stand was established with provenances from Thailand, Indonesia, India, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad, and Sabah at FRIM Research Station (SPF) Mata Ayer, Perlis. Selected mother trees were then identified for the establishment of a clonal bank. This clone bank was listed in the Malaysia Book of Records in 2012 as ‘The Largest Collection of Teak Clones in Malaysia’. The planting materials for the clonal trial study were obtained from this clone bank and mass-propagated via a budding technique (macro-propagation). The clonal trial plots were established at SPF Jeli (Kelantan) and SPF Mata Ayer in 2014. Assessment of the growth performances of eight years old data showed that based on the sites’ comparison, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) on all the growth parameters tested, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and Total Height (HT) at 8 years old. An overview of the growth performance showed T. grandis planted at SPF Mata Ayer has a better growth performance. However, based on clonal variations, the differences are not significant except for the HT parameter. Clones-by-site interaction also showed no significant difference. Considering the good growth performances at the age of 8 years across the two locations, there were six best clones selected namely; T28, T3, T1, T8, T16 and T4. The mean annual increment (MAI) for DBH and HT of the clonal trial plot at the age of eight years is 1.6 cm/year and 1.3 m/year, respectively. These selected clones have the potential to be planted as forest plantations, consequently supporting an effort by the government to maintain the sustainable supply of wood materials.

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Abstract

Tectona grandis, locally known as teak, is listed as one of the nine selected species in the forest plantation development program (PPLH) initiated by the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) to ensure the sustainability of timber supply. However, even though teakwood is used worldwide for its alluring aesthetics and high economic value, not many industrial planters in Malaysia are willing to plant T. grandis due to the slow-growing nature of this species and the longer maturity period. Therefore, the selection process to ensure that only high-quality planting materials are planted in the forest plantations is very crucial. This long decade’s study is conducted to provide high-quality planting sources of T. grandis that can grow optimally in Peninsular Malaysia. Progeny and clonal trials are vital to test the performance of different genotypes under local climates. During the early introduction in the 1950s, T. grandis was planted in the northern states of Malaysia (Perlis and Langkawi Island) and Sabah. A resource stand was established with provenances from Thailand, Indonesia, India, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad, and Sabah at FRIM Research Station (SPF) Mata Ayer, Perlis. Selected mother trees were then identified for the establishment of a clonal bank. This clone bank was listed in the Malaysia Book of Records in 2012 as ‘The Largest Collection of Teak Clones in Malaysia’. The planting materials for the clonal trial study were obtained from this clone bank and mass-propagated via a budding technique (macro-propagation). The clonal trial plots were established at SPF Jeli (Kelantan) and SPF Mata Ayer in 2014. Assessment of the growth performances of eight years old data showed that based on the sites’ comparison, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) on all the growth parameters tested, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) and Total Height (HT) at 8 years old. An overview of the growth performance showed T. grandis planted at SPF Mata Ayer has a better growth performance. However, based on clonal variations, the differences are not significant except for the HT parameter. Clones-by-site interaction also showed no significant difference. Considering the good growth performances at the age of 8 years across the two locations, there were six best clones selected namely; T28, T3, T1, T8, T16 and T4. The mean annual increment (MAI) for DBH and HT of the clonal trial plot at the age of eight years is 1.6 cm/year and 1.3 m/year, respectively. These selected clones have the potential to be planted as forest plantations, consequently supporting an effort by the government to maintain the sustainable supply of wood materials.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	steaks
AGROVOC Term:	timberyards
AGROVOC Term:	forest plantations
AGROVOC Term:	cloning
AGROVOC Term:	plant propagation
AGROVOC Term:	breeding
AGROVOC Term:	genotypes
AGROVOC Term:	clones
AGROVOC Term:	genetic variation
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Mr. Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited:	18 Jun 2026 07:11
Last Modified:	18 Jun 2026 07:11
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/4027

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