Conservation of genetic resources of teak (Tectona grandis) in Thailand Lars Graudal, Prasit Saardavut, Apichart Kaosa-ard, Erik D. Kjaer and Verapong Suangtho

The Thai teak forests are under pressure. Only fragments of the original teak forests remain at present, mainly in a few protected National Parks. A conservation plan for teak in Thailand is developed in the present Technical Note and an implementation plan is outlined. The ecological conditions vary within teak's natural distribution area in Thailand. Genetic variation between stands within Thailand is therefore possible. Existing provenance trials support that different Thai provenances may grow differently, which can be the result of adaptation to different environmental conditions, or following thousands of years of separation. A number of so-called genecological zones are outlined, and potential gene conservation stands identified in a way that all zones can be represented in the network. Suitable conservation techniques and practical implementation measures are discussed and the required resources are estimated. Similar conservation efforts in other parts of the natural distribution area are highly recommendable.