AFRITIMB | DYNAFAC

Presentation of the AFRITIMB project

This project aims to acquire detailed biological data on the natural regeneration processes of nine economically important tree species in Central Africa and to understand how these processes are affected by logging.

The project aims to use reliable scientific knowledge to define the minimum density to be maintained after exploitation (minimum density of breeding trees) to ensure sufficient natural regeneration and genetic diversity.

Central Africa is covered by the second largest rainforest in the world

The biological processes that condition the natural regeneration and genetic diversity of trees in Central Africa are still unknown, which is a major obstacle to sustainable production practices. In particular, there are no standards based on scientific data defining the minimum population to be maintained after exploitation (minimum density of breeding trees) to ensure sufficient natural regeneration and genetic diversity.

The project aims to acquire detailed biological data on the natural regeneration processes of nine economically essential tree species in Central Africa, including the breeding system, seed and pollen dispersal, inbreeding depression, and the impact of logging on these processes.

To this end, the DynAfFor-P3FAC plots set up in four countries are used to study phenology, pollinators, seed dispersers and predators of the target species. Genetic markers (microsatellite-type), available for most species, are used to characterise the reproductive system, seed and pollen dispersal distances, inbreeding depression and the impact of selective exploitation on these processes. In fine, this research will help to define new exploitation standards to maintain sufficient post-harvest regeneration and adaptation potential for species.

This project is financed by the FNRS (Belgium) and implemented by the Free University of Brussels and Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (University of Liège) in collaboration with companies of the DYNAFAC network.