The influence of diameter on resin yield from Pinus Caribaea at kikonda forest reserve kyankwanzi district

Abstract

Non- timber forest products obtained from both natural and planted forests can contribute significantly to poverty alleviation through income generation and employment opportunities. Planted forests are mainly composed of a single crop or tree species such as Pinus species that are grown on both a small and large scale. The main purpose for Pinus species plantations in Uganda is timber production, however, at Kikonda forest reserve extraction and harvesting of resin from the Pinus trees is done. The main objective of the study was to determine the influence of tree diameter on the amount of resin produced when the tree is injured. Two plots were established in different compartments (D07 and E03), 30 trees were tapped for resin for a month using the American method of resin tapping. The trees were grouped into five diameter classes. The total amount of resin collected from compartment D07 and E03 was7.354kg and 5.671kg respectively. Basing on the results from this study, the best minimal start diameter for resin tapping was between 21.0 cm to 25.9 cm Dbh. The relationship between the tree diameter and resin amount produced and collected showed a very weak correlation (0.129). The relationship between tree diameter and resin produce was statistically non significant (p value 0.327<0.05) with a sample of 60 trees. Thus there was no statistical evidence to reject the null hypothesis hence it was concluded that diameter does not directly influence the resin amount produced however, the amount of resin produced slightly increased with increase in tree diameter due to the observed positive weak correlation between diameter and resin amount produced. Therefore trees with a minimum diameter of 21.0 cm Dbh should be considered for resin tapping operations.