Seed Production, Plant Diversity, and Grafting Exchange

Today marked another enriching experience at IPB as we dove deeper into the world of seed production for plantation and forestry species. We started the day with a lecture that focused on the importance of seed quality in forestry. The session highlighted how proper seed selection, handling, and storage play crucial roles in maintaining the health and productivity of forest ecosystems. It gave us a solid foundation for understanding how planting materials influence long-term forestry outcomes.


After the lecture, we moved on to a fun and interactive activity where we drew and described various plant species found in Indonesia. This hands-on task helped us appreciate the country’s vast botanical diversity. Among the plants we studied were: 

Tabebuya – A beautiful ornamental tree with trumpet-shaped flowers, known for its vibrant pink or yellow blossoms. It thrived in tropical climates and was drought-tolerant, making it ideal for urban landscapes.

Bungur (Banaba) – This flowering tree showcased lovely purple blooms and was also known for its medicinal properties, especially for managing blood sugar levels.

Pine – Commonly found in higher elevation areas, particularly Pinus merkusii, which was valued for both timber and resin. Its tall, straight form made it perfect for commercial forestry.

Ketapang Kencana – With its symmetrical, spreading canopy and golden-green leaves, it was often used in landscaping for shade and visual appeal.

Pala (Nutmeg) – An important spice crop in Indonesia, especially in the Maluku region. Both its seeds and mace were widely used in cooking and traditional medicine.

Mahoni Indonesia (Indonesian Mahogany) – A high-value timber tree known for its durable and reddish-brown wood, often used in furniture and construction.


After the drawing activity, we proceeded to our practical session on cacao grafting, which was definitely one of the highlights of the day. It was exciting and enjoyable as we got to put theory into practice. We also had the opportunity to share our grafting techniques from the Philippines, which sparked interesting discussions. We introduced some local practices, especially those used for mango and cashew grafting—two very important crops in our region of Guimaras.


We emphasized the importance of handling the scion properly before grafting—keeping it fresh, disease-free, and in the right condition. We also shared techniques on how to secure the scion tightly to the rootstock to ensure a successful union and promote healthy growth. The exchange of ideas and techniques was not only educational but also a meaningful way to connect with our peers from Indonesia. It was inspiring to see how plant propagation techniques vary across regions yet share the same core principles. plant propagation techniques vary across regions yet share the same core principles.

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