MWF Nursery-works in Mauritiusby

Jean Claude SevathianJune 2014

Establishment of Ile aux Aigrettes Nursery and Field Gene Bank

Nursery on Round Island

Nursery propagation& Field gene bank

52 rare plants species been propagated (2001-2013)

- 21 rare plants species are present in the field gene bank at Pigeon Wood (2004-2013)- 8 rare plants planted in managed forest

Propagation in nursery.1.Cuttings: To maximize genetic variation from the population 2.Sowing: The seeds collected are accessioned, cleaned and sown3. Seedlings: Collection are made under the mother plant when cuttings and seeds are limited. 4.Grafting and Air layering: In rare cases these methods are done directly on the mother plant when plant materials are limited.5.Tissue culture: This method is done with the help of external laboratories, e.g: Kew Garden and Brest

Propagation in nursery.1. Cuttings: A medium of perlite and coconut fibre. Rooting hormone concentration are applied depending the type of cuttings 2..Seeds: The medium used is usually mixed with top soil and sand3 Seedlings: The medium used are composed of compost with top soil and coral grit.4.Grafting and Air layering: Medium of sterile soil, manure and rooting hormone

Propagation in mist bench

Re-potting phase in nursery

Psiadia cataractae

Ready to plant out in Field Gene Bank and Conservation Area

Psiadia cataractae

16 individuals planted in the Field gene bank at Pigeon wood

1. 16 plants been re-introduction in the wild at Tamarind falls.2.Success in propagation are shared with other conservation stakeholders; NPCS, FS and Private owners3. 200 plants in other nurseries and planted in arboretum

Psiadia cataractae

Chionanthus boutonii, bois blanc

•From two individuals in 2002• Today a population of 85 individuals known in wild• 25 seedlings in nursery

Elaeocapus bojeri, bois dentelle

•Propagation by grafting• Seeds germination in Kew garden

Hibiscus boryanus, mandrinette

• One individual left at Tamarind Falls• 12 individuals in FGB•12 planted in the initial area•Over 100 in other nurseries and arboretum

Nesocodon mauritianus,

clochette bleue

• One population known at Cascade 500ft• over 50 seedlings propagated by seeds

THANK YOU

Phelsuma ornata /Trochetia blackburniana