Teak plantations have been widely established throughout the tropics to produce high quality timber in trees of good growth and stem form. Many factors affect the success of teak planting programmes including site, seed supply and seed quality, management and other biological factors such as insects. Site is the primary factor influencing plantation growth and development. Growth and yield of plantations grown in different site qualities, within and outside the teak region is illustrated. With correct site selection, growth and yield can be improved more than 100 %. The composition of suitable teak sites is reviewed. Seed supply is a factor limiting planting scale and the quality of the plantation, especially so in countries where teak is an exotic. Seed requirement in various plantation options is tabulated and the effect of seed sources (provenances) and improved seed on growth and quality of plantations is demonstrated. A short term programme for improved seed and clonal stock production is proposed. Silvicultural management of teak plantation practices in weeding, thinning and insect and fire protection for growth and quality improvement is reviewed.

MANAGEMENT

Apart from site and seed problems, the success of teak plantation establishment also depends largely on silvicultural management. The common management includes spacing, weeding, fire protection, insect and disease protection and thinning.

Planting spacing

Initial spacing of teak plantation varies (1.8×1.8 to 4×4 m) depending on many factors as site quality, cost of establishment, thinning regime, small wood utilization, planting system, e.g. agro-forestry, intercropping etc. However, site quality seems to be the priority factor directing the size of spacing in the teak planting programme. Results of 12-year-old spacing trials (2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 6×6 m) in Thailand clearly demonstrated the effects of initial spacing on growth, stem quality and weed control in teak plantations of different site conditions.