Tropical forest seed

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The perception and role of forests in tropical regions have significantly evolved over the past fifty years. Natural forests, once abundant sources of forest products, are now diminishing. Although there have been advancements, sustainable management of these forests faces numerous challenges. Rural communities in tropical areas increasingly find that forests, which once served as buffers for agriculture and vital resources, are becoming less accessible. Remaining forests are often protected, degraded, or located far from settlements, rendering them practically unreachable. Consequently, future forest products are expected to primarily originate from man-made plantations and cultivated trees. The definition of ‘plantation’ is expanding beyond traditional block plantings of industrial species to include smaller woodlots, shelterbelts, and various agroforestry systems. In this context, forest seeds play a crucial role, serving as the primary means of propagation and carriers of genetic material across generations. Effective forest seed handling is essential for the selection, management, development, and conservation of forest genetic resources. Despite the importance of seed quality in agriculture, forest germplasm has received surprisingly little attention in many afforestation and plantation initiatives.