Mitra Ayu is the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of Massoia Bark Oil and Massoia Lactone. At our plantation located in Solok, Sumatra, we started planting Massoia Trees in effort to preserve the tree. Many of our Massoia Trees are thriving and some are cut to make more seedlings for faster regeneration.
Papua is the native habitat and the main supplier of Massoia Bark. However, it is reported that the population density of Massoia Trees in the Papuan Forest is declining. For example, in Nabire (harvesting area), it is estimated that there are only 16 stakes level per ha and 20 individual of saplings level per ha, and they are usually found on slopes and scattered around the stumps of fallen trees [1]. Because Massoia are found in steep areas and located deep in the forest where the only route is by foot, it can take days and even weeks to harvest the Massoia Bark. With reduction in population density, harvesting Massoia Bark from the wild becomes harder and more challenging.
In this article, we will discuss the cultivation of Massoia, which includes: planting, harvesting, and regeneration.
Planting
Massoia is a semi-tolerant plant so it only requires some shading with temperature ranges between 16-34 °C. The planting preferably done with adequate amount water content in the soil, which happened during rainy season and precipitation level of >2000 mm/year. The planting distance is also very important, with the most suitable being >40 cm. After plantation, intensive care such as cleaning pests must be performed [1],[2].
Harvesting
The Harvesting Method of Massoia can be divided into 2 parts. The first part involved destructive method, which is logging the tree and leaving at least 80 cm height of stump for regeneration. The next step is peeling the bark using a knife. A dark line and liquid appear after scratched show the best quality of Massoia [1].
Regeneration
Regeneration of Massoia can be done by several different methods.
The vegetative regeneration (asexual reproduction) can be done by taking 15-20 cm and 2-4 leaves sapling of the Massoia Tree from the woods. To reduce the damage of the soils, it is suggested to be done during the rainy season. The sapling then transferred into banana stalk to reduce evaporation, from there the sapling is planted in the polybag. Another method of vegetative regeneration is by cutting the middle branches from a one year old tree. Genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role in the growth of the roots [1].
The generative regeneration (sexual reproduction) can be done by planting the seeds. This process will involve the germination process (approximately 24-32 days) and intensive care is required. The leaves will appear after about 32 days, and the seedling will be transferred to growth media after at least 2 leaves appear. The seedling then will be transferred in the field after it is strong enough to survive on its own. The success rate of regeneration of Massoia tree will depend on the optimum light, water/rain and soil [1].
At Mitra Ayu Plantation, propagation of Massoia Tree is done by planting the Massoia seeds and by cutting the stems of healthy Massoia Tree. With partnership with local farmers, we also provide Massoia seedlings as well as trainings. We believe that a sustainable raw material is very important.
If you have any question about the cultivation of Massoia Tree or any other questions, please contact us here or email us at info@ptmitraayu.com
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