Breakthrough may enable reforestation using mahogany

Breakthrough may enable reforestation using mahogany

Brazilian researchers are closer to developing a way to establish large-scale mahogany plantations, reports the ITTO in its bi-monthly update.

Scientists at the Federal Rural University of Amazonia (UFRA) have found that planting a matrix of mahogany with cedar reduces the incidence of the Hypsipyla grandella caterpillar, a chief pest of mahogany that has doomed previous attempts to reforest with the valuable hardwood species.

Should the technique prove viable, it could reduce pressure on wild mahogany, a species which is highly sought on timber markets. The pursuit of mahogany has been a major driver of illegal logging throughout Latin America.

The technique could also allow the reforestation of degraded lands using mahogany seedlings.

Article published by Rhett Butler

Botany, Environment, Forestry, Forests, Green, Logging, Rainforests, Reforestation, Trees

Brazil, Latin America, South America

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