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Tapping of Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) for Sustained Resin Yield1

Arsenio B. Ella2, Emmanuel P. Domingo2 and Esteven D. Garcia3 2Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), Department of Science

and Technology (DOST), College, Laguna 4031 Philippines 3Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), Sorsogon City

Tel.: (+6349) 536-2377 Fax: (+6349) 536-3630 E-mail: Arsie_Ella@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study is a combination of R&D and techno-transfer activities on the improved

tapping of pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) in the Bicol Region. Further, the study aimed to

determine the effects of ethrel application, tapping length and rainfall on Canarium resin

production.

Thirty six pili trees growing in Calomagon, Bulan, Sorsogon were tapped. Three

tapping lengths were used (15 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm) at the same width (2 cm) and same

depth (enough not to reach the cambium) and four levels of ethylene application; 0%;

0.5%; 1.5%; and 2.5%. Retapping after the weekly resin harvest was done immediately

above the previous cut. Each treatment was replicated thrice.

Increasing tapping length increased resin yield with 30 cm giving the highest yield.

Ethrel concentration affected resin yield which was highest at 2.5%, while monthly rainfall

has no significant effect on resin yield except at ethrel concentration of 1.5% and tapping

lengths of 20 and 30 cm.

Further, resin yield of trees with ethrel application increase by 37.5%, thus

additional revenue income for farmers and resin tappers.

The technology’s adaptability may indicate a bright and sustainable Canarium resin

production in the entire province of Sorsogon.

1 Department of Agriculture (DA), High Value Commercial Crops (HVCC) funded project.

2

INTRODUCTION

Pili is a crop with high potential for development. It is widely adapted to various

agro-climatic conditions and a wide range of soil types. It can be grown year-round, either

alone or intercropped with other crops. It is a sturdy and an excellent boarder tree and

windbreak and also ideal for agro-tourism (The Philippines Recommends for Pili,

PCARRD, 1997).

Bicol Region has the biggest number of productive pili trees (72%) among the

country’s six regions reportedly cultivating it. The others are: Southern Tagalog, 9%;

Western and Eastern Visayas, 18.5%; Southern Mindanao and CARAGA, 1% (Bureau of

Agricultural Statistics, 1996) (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Distribution of productive pili trees in the Philippines.

A total of 7,046.5 ha in the entire Bicol Region is planted to pili trees, with 221,250

trees already bearing nuts. Annual nut yield is 5,243 MT with the province of Sorsogon

leading the pack (Bicol Pili Commodity Board 2006, pers. communication). In 1997 there

were around 2,126 farmers who owned at least 10 nut-bearing pili trees. Generally, those

farmers had big families, but with incomes falling below the poverty level. Majority or 57%

Bicol Region

Western and Eastern Visayas

Southern Tagalog

Southern Mindanao and CARAGA Region

18.5% 9% 1%

72%

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owned the nut-bearing trees, 32% were share tenants, 8% part-owners, and the

remaining 3% amortizing owners (PCARRD Pili Benchmark Survey 1997).

In Bicol, pili is cultivated for its kernel, an important ingredient in making candies

and confectioneries. These products are exported to Australia, Canada, China, France,

Germany, Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, UK and US. Because of

this, the Philippines is known as the only country that produces and processes pili in

commercial quantity. The kernel is considered superior to almond nuts. Most pili trees in

Bicol are found in the upland areas and less than 5 km from the farmers’ residence and

10 km from the market centers. The bulk of the trees are sporadically interspersed with

coconut, anahaw and other fruit trees with no capital investment (RAFID, Department of

Agriculture, RFU 5, Pili, Camarines Sur, 2006).

In contrast, farmers in the provinces of Quezon, Marinduque and Masbate (Ticao

and Burias Islands) tap their pili trees for the resin known in world trade as Manila elemi.

Manila elemi is utilized in the paint and varnish industries (Ella, et al. 1997). Manila elemi

gives toughness and elasticity to pharmaceutical products such as plasters, printing inks,

lithographic works and perfumery. Locally, it is used in torches, starting fires for domestic

use, caulking of boats and dressings for transmission belts and conveyors. Its main

sources are the Canarium species pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.), piling-liitan [Canarium

luzonicum (Blume) Gray] and pagsahingin (Canarium asperum Benth.) (Tongacan, 1972).

The species planted in Bicol is C. ovatum, commonly called pili and is grown for its

nuts or kernel. On the other hand, in Quezon and Marinduque, C. luzonicum or piling-

liitan is grown for its resin. Many people in these provinces tap the Canarium resin for

their livelihood. Others are part-time tappers while waiting for the harvest of their farm

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crops. Some whose farmlands are already depleted of soil nutrients become full-time

tappers. Although regarded as a minor forest product, Manila elemi is a dollar earner. In

2008, about 261,885 kg of resin valued at USD 616,461 was exported to France,

Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan and Switzerland (Philippine Forestry Statistics

2008).

Manila elemi is similar in physical appearance to Manila copal or resin from

almaciga (Agathis philippinensis Warb.). Traditionally, these resins are harvested thru

tapping – either deep tapping, overtapping by inflicting multiple cuts or wounds around the

tree’s girth above the base upward. Manila elemi oozes out in a soft, fragrant, white, oily

mass that gradually hardens when the volatile constituents are lost upon exposure

(Villanueva, 1993).

The commercial tapping of pili trees for resin yield has never been a practice in the

Bicol Region. The farmers collect resins primarily for starting fires in cooking.

In 2006, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region V sponsored the 2nd Pili

Congress which was held in Naga City where the author of this paper was an invited

speaker. The Congress discussed findings on pili research and development in the

region, including plans for the pili development program in Bicol.

The author shared his views and experiences about pili resin production and resin

tapping of Canarium trees based on the results of his past studies. The participants were

composed mostly of farmers, pili growers and processors, LGUs, NGOs,

scientists/researchers and professors from different R&D institutes and universities in

Bicol. In the course of discussion, the participants were at first reluctant to engage in resin

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tapping. They have reservations and fears that collecting resins would results to untimely

death of pili trees. Others think that tapping would result to decrease in nut yield and

decrease of nut size. However, after thorough explanations, the participants agreed for

the principal author to conduct a feasibility study on tapping pili trees for resin yield hence,

this study.

OBJECTIVES

1. To determine the effects of ethrel application, tapping length and rainfall on Canarium

resin production;

2. To conduct techno-transfer activities on the scientific methods of tapping Canarium

resin for farmers and pili growers in Sorsogon and neighboring areas; and

3. To conduct a market study for the collected Canarium resin.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The application of chemical stimulant as possible resin inducer was one of the

principal considerations in the study. In this regard, the author conducted review of

literatures on chemical stimulant that would possibly induce resin production of Canarium

trees.

Review of literature showed that a chemical company synthesized a new

compound with the brand name ethrel. This contains 2-chloronosthylphosporic acid which

produces numerous physiological effects when applied on plant tissues. Reports from

abroad indicate that ethrel is very effective for ripening various fruits, viz., banana,

pineapple, mangoes, etc.

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Yamamoto and Kozlowski (1987) claimed that applying ethrel to vertical stems of

Pinus densiflora seedlings greatly increased their ethylene contents but does not induce

formulation of well developed compression wood. The use of ethrel blocks the

development of certain characteristics of compression wood when applied to tilted

seedlings. The scientist concluded that ethrel treatment induces formation of longitudinal

resin ducts in the xylem while not affecting or tilting of the stem.

The experience of Amchem Products, Inc. (1988) has showed that stimulants are

important for the efficient exploitation of most clones at some stages during the 30-year

life span of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis). Brushing a 1 ½ to 2 1/2-inch strip of bark

directly below the tapping cut with 10% ethepon, another resin stimulant, in palm oil

increases latex flow and dry rubber yields by 100% or more on commercially important

clones. Although explanation of the stimulation mechanism is still theoretical, ethepon

treatment does prolong latex flow when the tapping cut is made (de Wide 1970).

Likewise, the greatest increase in dry rubber content is achieved when ethephon is used

with conventional half-spiral cut tapped every two days. Increased yields can also be

obtained with shorter ¼ or 1/3 (S) spiral tapping cuts and reduced tapping frequencies (3,

4 and even 6-day intervals). Stimulating latex production in rubber trees is the first

commercial use for ethephon (Amchem Products, Inc. 1988).

The use of ethephon was initially tried in the Philippines by Callano (1984). His

study showed that stimulating rubber trees with 2.5% ethephon applied either 10 or 4

times a year lowers the dry rubber content of the latex in all tapping systems used. On the

other hand, studies in the Ivory Coast conducted by Eschback and Banchi (1984) showed

that the use of ethephon as latex yield stimulant in rubber trees decreases tapping

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intensity, maintains level of growth and yield and results in good physiological

characteristics and fewer dry trees.

METHODOLOGY

The Tapping Experiment

The tapping experiment was conducted in Sitio Bugnay, Barangay Calomagon,

Bulan, Sorsogon in Bicol (Figure 2) from November 2007 to December 2009. Located

within the 12 hectares rolling coconut plantations owned by Mr. Floro Calingacion. The

site is accessible by air (via Legazpi airport), land and sea transportation. It is 656 km

from Manila. Bulan is serviced by two-lane concrete road that connects to Manila via the

Quirino Highway; the same to Legazpi City, capital of neighboring province of Albay and

the Regional Center of Region V, and Naga City, the heart and commercial center of

Bicol. Calomagon is about 7 km away from the poblacion town of Bulan and is

accessible by either tricycle and by motorbike depending on the weather. Bulan is a

mountainous town at the southwestern tips of Luzon Island specifically the Bicol

Peninsula facing Ticao Island off mainland Masbate. The term Bulan in Bicol dialect has

several meanings. It may mean the month of the year, or the moon, or a luminary. Its

landscape is characterized by forested volcanoes, rolling planes planted to rice,

coconut, abaca and pili trees and kilometers of pristine seacoast. The port town of

Bulan is classified as first class town with an area of 20,094 hectares and 92,000

inhabitants (NSO, 2009).

The experimental site was privately owned by the Calingacion family who allowed

FPRDI to use the 36 selected experimental trees throughout the 12-month tapping

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schedule. The collected resins were handed to the Calingacion family as per earlier

agreement. The experimental trees have never been tapped for resin production. They

had a diameter at breast height (dbh) ranging from 23 to 105 cm and a total height of 50

meters. Three tapping lengths, viz., 15, 20 and 30 cm were studied, each length applied

to 12 trees. Canarium trees were sprayed with ethrel at the four levels of concentration,

viz., 0, 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5% each concentration having three replicates. This study followed

the 3 x 4 factorial in completely randomized design (CRD). Factor A represented the three

lengths of tapping cut and Factor B, the four levels of ethrel concentration. Each

treatment combination was replicated thrice.

The Tapping Procedure

Barks of pili trees were first cleaned using sharp bolo and wood chisel. The three

tapping lengths were applied one at a time to the 36 trees. Extra care was applied so as

not to damage the cambium, a very thin region lying between the bark and the wood

responsible for the formation of new phloem and xylem. The cambium is responsible for

Figure 2. Location of experimental site in Bulan, Sorsogon.

Barangay Calomagon, Bulan, Sorsogon

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the regrowth of cut bark. Initial opening was placed uniformly for each of the three tapping

length at about ½ inch. On the other hand, the width of the subsequent rechipping was 5

mm or less and made above the former cut.

After cutting the streaks, ethrel were immediately applied in a fine mist using the

one-pint US standard plastic squeezer. Plastic bags were used as receptacles.

Polyethylene plastic sheets were then attached to the trunk to cover the wounded portion.

Sealed to each tree with plastic roofing cement, the sheets prevented seepage of water,

dirt and other foreign bodies into the tacked plastic receptacles. Each tree was labeled

based on the tapping procedure followed.

Resins were collected weekly for a period of 1 year. The total resin yield at the end

of the 12-month period was analyzed to determine the effect of tapping length and ethrel

concentrations. Rechipping was done after each collection and ethrel concentration

applied. The effect of seasonal variation on resin yield in relation to different tapping cuts

and ethrel treatment was determined using the monthly rainfall data of the Philippine

Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) at its

stations in Bulan and Donsol, Sorsogon. The experimental site falls under the second

climatic type, having no dry season but with a very pronounced maximum rain period from

December to February.

The Seminar-training on Canarium Resin

The technology on Canarium resin tapping was disseminated in Bicol with

emphasis in Sorsogon Province as part of the study (Figure 3). Aside from Sorsogon, the

provinces of Albay and Catanduanes were also recipients of the seminar-training on pili

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resin tapping and investment forum on Canarium resin production as well with backed-up

from DA-HVCC Regional Office in DA 5, based in Pili, Camarines Sur. With full support

from the Local Government Units (LGUs), an aggregate of 17 LGUs in the provinces of

Albay (2), Catanduanes (1) and Sorsogon (14) have directly benefited from the advisory

or consultancy services rendered from the technology transferred. The course, which was

divided into lectures and hands-on/practicum exercises catered to 510 participants, 95%

of whom were tapping illiterate.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Effect of Tapping Length on Resin Yield

The effect of tapping length on resin yield of Canarium trees is shown in Table 1.

The 30 cm tapping length gave the highest average resin yield in the 12-month period

with 317.079 g. This is 45.3% and 66.2% higher than that of 20 cm (218.194 g) and 15

cm (190.736 g) tapping lengths, respectively. The highest yield obtained from the 30 cm

Figure 3. Sites of seminar-trainings conducted in Bicol with

emphasis in Sorsogon Province.

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tapping length may be due to more resin ducts exposed and available for resin flow

compared to the 15 cm and 20 cm lengths.

Effect of Ethrel Concentration on Resin Yield

Resin yield increased with increased application of ethrel in the tapped portion of

Canarium trees (Table 1). Spraying 2.5% ethrel concentration on tapped trees gave the

highest average resin yield of 329.889 g which is 29%, 43% and 120% higher than 1.5%

(256.4 g), 0.5% (231.463 g) and 0% (150.25 g) ethrel concentrations, respectively. These

findings concurred with results of previous studies on its effect of ethrel level on exudation

of almaciga (Ella, et al. 2001).

Table 1. Resin yield (in g) during the 12-month tapping period.

* Average of 36 observations; means with same letters are not significantly different at α = 0.05.

Researches conducted by Abraham, et. al. (1969) and D’ Ausac and Ribaillier

(1969) as cited by Abeles (1973) on the potential of ethrel to increase rubber latex flow

showed a two to four-fold increase in latex flow after ethrel application. The increase

was attributed to the longer duration of the flow. The ethylene in ethrel defers coagulation

reaction in latex by preventing clotting thus permitting longer latex flow (Leopold 1971 as

cited by Abeles 1973). Since no studies on exudation of Canarium resin were conducted

prior to this study, the increase in the resin yield after spraying with ethrel may also be

Tapping Length Concentration (%) Ave. Yield per

Tapping Length 0 0.5 1.5 2.5

15 138.86f 179.91def 133.66f 310.50b 190.7361

20 148.97f 228.61cdf 238.05cd 257.13bc 218.1944

30 162.91ef 285.86bc 397.50a 422.02a 317.0764

Ave. Yield per Ethrel Concentration

150.25 231.47 256.40 329.88

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due to the retardation of coagulation reaction of Canarium resin, and resin yield is further

increased with ethrel concentration.

Joint Effect of Tapping Length and Ethrel Concentration on Resin Yield

There was a significant interaction of tapping length and ethrel concentration on

resin yield (Table 2). Tapping length of 30 cm with 2.5% and 1.5% ethrel concentration

gave the highest resin yield of 422.028 g and 397.5 g, respectively. Trees with tapping

length of 15 cm with 1.5% ethrel had the lowest yield of 133.667 g (Table 1), although not

significantly different from trees with tapping length and ethrel concentration of 15 cm and

0%; 20 cm and 0%; 30 cm and 0%.

Table 2. Analysis of Variance of resin yield for a period of 12 months.

Source of Variation Df Sum of Squares

Mean Squares

F-value

Pr>F

Tapping Length 2 1271686.3 635843.2 28.81 0.0001**

%Ethrel Concentration 3 1777801.1 592600.4 26.85 0.0001**

Tapping Length x ethrel concentration 6 122114.7 120352.5 5.45 0.0001

**

Month 11 2605586.9 236871.5 10.73 0.0001**

Tapping Length x month 22 227948.4 10361.3 0.47 0.9812ns

Ethrel concentration x month 33 219651.2 6656.1 0.30 0.9999ns

Tapping Length x ethrel concentration x month 66 281034.2 4258.1 0.19 1.0000

ns

Error 288 6356792.0 22072.2

Total 431 13462615.0 R

2 = 0.527819 CV = 61.39079 ** - highly significant at α = 1% ns - not significant

The highest resin yield obtained (with tapping length of 30 cm and 2.5% ethrel

concentration) may be due to the combined effects of longer tapping length and higher

ethrel concentration as explained above. The results indicate that 30 cm is the most

appropriate tapping length. Further, the findings validated past results on tapping

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almaciga trees for resin yield where amount of ethrel significantly affected resin yield

which was highest at 2.5% (Ella, et.al. 2001).

Effect of Rainfall on Resin Yield

The effect of seasonal variation on resin yield was determined using monthly

rainfall data obtained from PAGASA Station in Bulan, Sorsogon (Table 3). The total resin

collected under the two classifications of rainfall amounted to 54.25% of which was

collected during the 8-month minimum rainfall period (March to November 2008) with a

monthly resin yield of 7,089.38 g and the remaining 45.75% during the 4-month period of

maximum rainfall (September, December, 2009; January and February, 2008) with a

monthly resin yield of 11,956.75 g (Table 3). The two rainfall periods differed in monthly

resin yield with the 3 months under maximum rainfall exhibiting higher yield. Although

rainfall directly affects soil aeration, moisture and temperature and indirectly the soil’s pH,

mineral content, organic components and ion-exchange capacity (Kramer and Kozlowski,

1960), such changes did not seem to have a significant carry-over effect on the resin yield

of the 36 trees.

Effect of Rainfall, Ethrel Concentration and Tapping Length on Resin Yield

The interactive effect of rainfall, ethrel concentration and tapping length on resin

yield is shown in Tables 3, 4 and Figure 4. The relationship was analyzed using Pearson

Correlation Coefficient.

There was a high correlation between rainfall and resin yield at 1.5% concentration

(r = 0.6379); for 0% (r = 0.5658); 0.5% (r = 0.51925) and 2.5% (r = 0.5479) ethrel

concentrations correlation is not significant (Table 3). The results suggest that rainfall

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does not affect resin yield even with ethrel applications except for 1.5% ethrel. There was

a significant correlation between rainfall and resin yield for tapping lengths 20 cm and 30

cm, but not in 15 cm tapping length of Canarium trees. This suggests that rainfall affects

resin yield only in trees tapped with 20 and 30 cm (Table 4). The increase in yield when

Table 3. Pearson Correlation Coefficient of rainfall vs. monthly resin yield at different ethrel concentrations.

Month Rainfall

(mm) Concentration (%) Monthly Resin

Yield (g) 0 0.5 1.5 2.5

Mar ´08 211 664 813 884 974 3335

Apr ´08 268 998 1500 1633 2546 6677

May ´08 230 900 1350 1685 2505 6440

Jun ´08 199 945 1570 1800 2520 6835

Jul ´08 113 1340 2190 2355 3333 9218

Aug ´08 138 1080 1775 1945 2530 7330

Sep ´08 256 1430 2450 2677 3685 10242

Oct ´08 173 1205 2055 2075 2840 8175

Nov ´08 161 1320 1960 2463 2965 8708

Dec ´08 800 1960 3005 3615 4320 12900

Jan ´09 412 1945 2685 3105 3310 11045

Feb ´09 316 2440 3645 3455 4100 13640

r-value 0.56584 0.51925 0.63794 0.54792

Prob 0.0552ns 0.0836ns 0.0256* 0.0651ns * - significant at α = 5% ns - not significant

Table 4. Pearson Correlation Coefficient of rainfall vs. monthly resin yield at different tapping lengths.

Month Rainfall (mm)

Tapping Length (cm) Monthly Resin Yield (g) 15 20 30

Mar ´08 211 1002 1139 1194 3335

Apr ´08 268 1899 2073 2705 6677

May ´08 230 1580 1935 2925 6440

Jun ´08 199 1800 2105 2930 6835

Jul ´08 113 2480 2643 4095 9218

Aug ´08 138 1845 2175 3310 7330

Sep ´08 256 2545 3100 4597 10242

Oct ´08 173 2180 2485 3510 8175

Nov ´08 161 2255 2640 3813 8705

Dec ´08 800 3185 3885 5830 12900

Jan ´09 412 2945 3290 4810 11045

Feb ´09 316 3750 3950 5940 13640

r-value 0.16417 0.61816 0.58037

Prob 0.6102ns 0.0322* 0.0479* * - significant at α = 5% ns – not significant

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Canarium trees were tapped at 20 cm and 30 cm during months of minimum rainfall may

be because more resin ducts were cut. However, in the case of 15 cm tapping length,

rainfall did not affect resin yield probably due to the shorter tapping length.

Min. Rainfall Period

Max. Rainfall Period Figure 4. Monthly resin yield.

Figure 5. Relationship between rainfall and

monthly resin yield at different ethrel concentrations.

Figure 6. Relationship between rainfall and resin yield at different tapping lengths.

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Improved Tapping Techniques

Scientific tapping techniques formulated in this study on pili provided the potential

resin tappers in Sorsogon with the information on conserving pili trees and sustaining

resin production. In the past, tapping the pili trees had never been practiced by the

Bicolanos. In this regard, the scientific method of pili resin tapping was introduced to

farmers, forest settlers and pili growers who have no previous experience in resin tapping.

The traditional methods of resin tapping, e. g., deep tapping, over-tapping and frequent

rechipping was not practiced, thus, there were no “bad” tapping habits to unlearn that

could adversely affect the survival of the trees. Non-scientific methods of harvesting

Canarium resins had already been practiced by Quezon, Marinduque (C. luzonicum),

Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley provinces (C. asperum). These have resulted in

the death of many trees, adversely affecting the small furniture and handicraft industries

in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley provinces who use C. asperum to produce

resin.

Following the right timing of retapping will minimize the area of unwanted wounds

on the 36 experimental trees. Table 5 shows the total height of tapping cut in each tree

after a year of tapping. An average tapping height of 19 cm was attained with 21 cm as

the maximum and 17 cm as the minimum. This was obtained after a 2 cm wide opening

was made, and at least 3 to 5 mm cut thereafter per rechipping. Rechipping was done

weekly.

The procedure of properly timed rechipping is ideal, as this prolongs the tree’s life

and sustains resin production. Canarium tappers in Sorsogon took quite some time to

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adopt the improved procedure of tapping since only little amount of resin exuded from a

single cut applied on one side of the tree.

Table 5. Total height of tapping cut after one year of tapping.

Tree No.

Tapping height (cm)

Tree No.

Tapping height (cm)

Tree No.

Tapping height (cm)

Tree No.

Tapping height (cm)

1 20 10 18 19 19 28 21

2 20 11 17 20 18 29 19

3 19 12 19 21 19 30 20

4 20 13 20 22 17 31 20

5 19 14 20 23 18 32 20

6 19 15 17 24 18 33 21

7 18 16 20 25 19 34 18

8 18 17 19 26 20 35 18

9 19 18 20 27 20 36 20

Quezon tappers especially those from Bondoc Peninsula areas and Alabat Island

have observed that the resin yield from piling-liitan (C. luzonicum (Blume) Gray ) varies

from 1 to 5 kg per tree/harvest from multiple cuts or wounds and overtapping inflicted

around the tree girth usually above the base upward. The resin yield is normally collected

after 15 days and occasionally after one to two months or at a time when considerable

resin exudates had solidified from the bark. Thus, the collective annual resin yield of a

tree can reach 3 to 12 kg of raw resin containing impurities like bark, leaves, dried insects

and other dirt particles. The annual yield excludes the time when tappers temporarily stop

collection at the start of the rainy season or when Canarium trees start to shed off their

leaves from February to April (Ella 2001).

Cost and Returns of Tapping Canarium

Spraying ethrel on cuts made on Canarium bark during tapping increases

production of elemi resin by an average of 300 grams per tree per week. Table 6

compares the costs and returns of tapping elemi with and without the application of ethrel.

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For a total of 36 trees, resin yield of trees with ethrel application averaged 0.8 kilos

per tree per week, while yield without ethrel application averaged only 0.3 kilos per tree

per week – an increase of 0.5 kilos per tree per week. Thus, for 36 trees, the additional

yield of elemi resin is 972 kilos and at an average buying price of P40.00 per kilo,

additional revenue from the sale of resin is P38,880 per year. Annual net income will

increase by P38,070.00.

Table 6. Annual costs and returns of tapping 36 Canarium trees using improved and traditional methods (in pesos per year).

Improved method (with ethrel) Traditional method (without ethrel)

COST

Ethrela/ P 700.00 none

Laborb/ 4,050.00 P 4,050.00

Sacks 175.00 65.00

Total Cost 4,925.00 4,115.00

REVENUES

Sale of elemic/ P62,208.00 P23,328.00

NET RETURNS P57,283.00 P19,213.00

Increase in income P38,070.00 per year a/

1 liter, good for 1 year b/

½ manday per week for 36 trees at P300 per day, 54 weeks c/

0.8 kilos/tree/wk, with ethrel and without ethrel, respectively, at P40.00 per kilo, for 54 weeks

Although the initial cost of ethrel at P700.00 per liter may be costly, the additional

net returns of P38,070.00 per year more than compensates for the added cost.

Table 7 presents information about the harvesting Canarium resins in Quezon

Province following the traditional methods (Ella, et al. 2001).

Two-week resin yield from the Canarium trees in this study was significantly lower

than the 15-day yield in Alabat and Bondoc Peninsula. Quezon tappers do not consider

the negative consequences in the crude methods of extracting resins would bring. Their

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goal of extracting as much resin as they could, disregarding the health of the trees,

endangers the sustainability of resin production.

Table 7. Information on Canarium resin tapping in Quezon Province.

Items Alabat Bondoc Peninsula

No. of trees tapped/day 19 15

No. of cuts made/tree 7 5

Harvest Cycle 15 days 15 days

Cutting Cycle Daily Daily

Yield/tree/harvest 5 kg 3 kg

Harvest/Month (Summer) 40 kg 35 kg

Average resin P32.00/kg P31.00/kg

Sale of resin per month P1,120.00 P1,085.00

Seminar/training on resin tapping

The seminar on tapping pili trees was conducted by FPRDI as part of the project

with the principal author as the resource person. The participants were farmers, pili

growers, agriculturists, LGU officials, entrepreneurs, teachers and out-of-school youth

dropped outs. The seminar sought to a) introduce trainees to the scientific way of tapping

pili trees; and b) encourage pili growers and farmers to venture to resin tapping using

sustainable harvesting techniques.

The seminar consisted of lectures, hands-on exercises and practicum. The

lectures, which were conducted mostly in the DA-Municipal Agricultural Offices (MAO)

and/or in barangay halls were supplemented with hand-outs, illustrations, posters, a

powerpoint presentation and video footages. Tapping tools and other paraphernalia in

resin tapping were also displayed.

The lectures covered the following topics: 1) introduction to pili resin tapping; 2)

basic structure of the stem relevant to tapping; 3) resin production within the tree; 4)

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factors affecting resin production; 5) traditional tapping methods; and 6) the correct

tapping process.

While English was employed as principal medium of instruction, lectures were also

translated into the Bicolano dialect by the resource person himself who is a pure blooded

Bicolano from Daet, Camarines Norte. Hands-on exercises on the right tapping procedure

were done immediately after the lecture.

For the practicum, the participants were usually grouped into three depending on

the number of the participants. Three pili trees were used, one tree for each group. The

trees selected have never been tapped. After emphasizing the danger of overtapping, the

resource person then demonstrated the correct way of making a cut on the tree. After this

demo, participants had the chance to make one correct cut each on their assigned tree.

The seminar was a tremendous success. The trainees showed their enthusiasm by

participating actively in the discussions, hands-on exercises and practicum in the field.

Market Opportunity Assessment for Canarium Resin in Bicol

Market Situation for Canarium Resin

Studying feasibility of gathering Canarium resin as an alternative livelihood for

farmers and pili growers in the Bicol Region involves an understanding of the present

market situation for the raw material. Any market study is thus benchmarked against the

existing situation in Quezon Province, long considered the major production center for

Canarium resin. More than 85% of the Canarium resin produced in the country comes

from Quezon. The remaining 15% comes from Ticao Island in Masbate and Marinduque.

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Gumaca, a town in Quezon in Bondoc Peninsula is the major market for Canarium

resin. Mr. Abel Satrain, the country’s foremost Canarium resin businessman revealed that

he normally exports 8 tons of raw materials per month to Europe, especially in France.

Coconut farmers, who are also part-time tappers, flock to his warehouse in

Gumaca to sell their weekly harvest at P35 to P40 per kilo. Most of these farmers come

from the far flung barangays of Pitogo, Macalelon and Gen. Luna all in the Bondoc

Peninsula. However, the bulk of resin dealers come from the nearby Alabat Island,

Atimonan, Gumaca, Lopez and Calauag, all in Quezon Province.

About 15% come from Ticao Island, Marinduque, Northern Samar and Gubat,

Sorsogon where there is a newly started resin industry. The collected resins are

deposited at Satrain’s warehouse in Gumaca where they are cleaned and sorted prior to

their export to Europe.

Market Opportunity Assessment for Bicol’s Canarium Resin

Satrain had already put up his initial resin buying station in Barangay Abuyog,

Sorsogon City (that crossing going to Gubat and Matnog, Sorsogon) to cater to neophyte

resin tappers in the adjacent town of Gubat. He revealed that an average of 710 kg of

resins per year had already been collected from Gubat, Sorsogon from the time resin

tapping was introduced in the area in 2007.

Movement of resins collected in Gubat, Sorsogon follows a simple scheme.

Coconut farmers and pili growers usually have their “kapatas” (foremen) who regularly

deal, purchase and store collected resins in their warehouse usually located in their

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residences, until these are ready for transport to Barangay Abuyog, Sorsogon City.

Others do not use warehouses but directly bring their resins to Abuyog.

Other resin traders in Quezon Province store their purchased resin in their

warehouses before they finally sold in Divisoria and Caloocan City, Metro Manila at P45

to P50 per kilo to Chinese traders.

Potential Markets for Sorsogon Canarium Resin

One market for raw Canarium resin is the varnish industry in Mati, Davao Oriental.

Though the varnish entrepreneur still operates at a backyard level, at least he is able to

produce local varnish with Canarium resin as principal raw material. Mr. Danilo Discutido,

the local varnish manufacturer, said he encounters shortage of Canarium resin which

usually comes from Mati and neighboring towns in Davao Oriental. Resins from these

localities are tapped from Canarium asperum with the official common name of

“pagsahingin” or better known in Davao as “sanduka”.

Another potential market is the export market. Resin harvested from trial tapping in

Bicol especially in Sorsogon province have very little impurities and thus suitable for

export.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Tapping length significantly affects resin yield, with 30 cm giving the highest

monthly yield over a period of 12 months. The highest resin yield obtained in Canarium

trees with tapping length of 30 cm and 2.5% ethrel concentration could be attributed to

the combined effects of longer tapping length and since more resin ducts are exposed

and available for resin flow; while ethrel concentrations at maximum may be due to

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retardation of coagulation reaction of Canarium resin such that resin yield at 2.5% ethrel

is further increased.

The 3-month period under maximum rainfall gives a higher monthly resin yield than

the months with minimum rainfall. Amount of rainfall, however, is not correlated with resin

yield.

Further experiments should be done considering other variables and using more

replicates in regions of the country with pronounced wet and dry seasons and also in

areas with no dry season to compare resin yield as influenced by climatic conditions. The

following variables can be studied: diameter classes, crown ratio, depth of tapping cut and

inducers of resin yield like strong acids and repeated tapping techniques.

Studies in the system of cleaning and grading of Canarium resin should also be

given attention.

The nationwide market flow of Canarium resin cannot be generalized due to the

limited number of areas visited. Other places where Canarium species abound like

Marinduque, Ticao in Masbate, Sibuyan in Romblon, parts of Northern Samar and Mati in

Davao Oriental should be included in future investigations. In the same manner, the

overall impact of harvesting Canarium resins on the socio-economic condition of

dependent communities should be looked into.

The trainees’ active participation in the seminar may indicate their interest to

protect the huge, virgin Canarium trees in Sorsogon. The participants’ acquired skills

were evident through their correct tapping of Canarium trees especially in Gubat,

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Sorsogon. The technology’s adoptability may indicate a bright future for sustainable

Canarium production in Sorsogon.

Diameter classes and tapping length directly affect resin yield. Bigger Canarium

trees with heavy, well proportioned crowns and bigger bark surface produce more resin

than smaller trees, while the 2.5% ethrel concentration gives the highest resin yield.

Further, resin yield of trees with ethrel application increase by 37.5%, thus

additional revenue income for farmers and resin tappers.

With the growing concern over the increasing CO2 in the atmosphere, the role of

trees in the removal of atmospheric carbon dioxide for the build-up of their biomass

cannot be denied. Scientific and proper tapping of Philippine Canarium trees for Manila

elemi would minimize death of trees. This method would in a way contribute to sequester

atmospheric carbon which is a significant strategy to address the global problems of

increasing amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere.

IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

It is highly recommended that Canarium resin tapping be an alternative source of

income among Sorsogeños. Sorsogon has the potential of producing large volumes of

quality Manila elemi because of the great number of pili trees naturally growing in the

province, especially in the towns of Gubat, Irosin, Prieto Diaz, Juban, Magallanes,

Bulusan, Barcelona, Sorsogon and Bacon District in Sorsogon City. Given ideal

harvesting and marketing practices, Sorsogon can surpass Quezon Province as the

leading exporter of Canarium resin to France and Germany.

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An impact assessment of Canarium resin tapping technology in Bicol, especially in

Sorsogon province should be conducted.

We may also look into the effect of resin tapping to nut yield including socio-

economic studies.

We may also conduct an action-research on increasing the value of resin by

processing them in their backyard/common service facility to at least purify the resin.

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LITERATURE CITED

Abeles, F. B. 1973. Ethylene in Biology. Academic Press. New York.Amchem Products,

Inc., Amper, PA Research and Development. 1988. Practical Applications of Ethrel in Agricultural Productions.

Amchem Information Sheet No. 53. ASEAN Postharvest Horticulture and Research Center Library. University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna. No. 53. 11 pp.

Bicol Pili Commodity Board. 2006. Personal Communication during the open forum of the Second Pili Congress, Naga City, 21-22 August 2006.

Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) 1996. Annual Reoprt. Diliman, Quezon City. 168 pp.

Callano, R. S. 1994. Tapping systems and yield stimulation in University of Southern Mindanao (USM) Rand D Journal 2 (2): 161-172.

Clover, A. M. 1996. Philippine wood oils. Philippine Journal of Science. 1(1):181-202.

de Wide, R. C. 1970. Practical Applications of Ethrel in Agricultural Productions. AMCHEM Information Sheet No. 53. ASEAN Postharvest Horticulture and Research Library. University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna. 11 pp.

Ella, A. B. and A. P. Mosteiro. 2001. Assessment on the Collection, Processing and Trade of Non-Wood Forest Products in Local Communities. Terminal Report. FPRDI-ITTO Project PD 15/96 Rev. 2 (M,I). 135 pp.

Ella, A. B. 1999. The Resin Resource. ITTO Tropical Forest Updates. Vol. 9, No. 1. Yokohama, Japan: 5.

Ella, A. B. and A. L. Toñgacan. 1987. The Interaction of tree diameter, rainfall and sulfuric acid treatments on resin yield of palosapis [Anisoptera (Blanco) Blume ssp. thurifera]. The Philippine Technology Journal Vol. XII, No. 2, April-June 1987: 25-31.

Ella, A. B., A. L. Toñgacan and E. C. Fernandez. 1997. Improvement in Tapping Piling-liitan [Canarium luzonicum (Blume) A. Gray] Trees for Manila Elemi Resin. Naval Store Review. Vol. 107 No. 5, September to October 1997: 13-17. Published by University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Gainvelle, Florida, USA.

Ella, A. B., A. L. Toñgacan and I. M. Javier. 1998. Proper Techniques in Tapping Canarium spp. (Pili Group). Pamphlet No. 2. FPRDI-DOST, College, Laguna. 8 pp.

Ella, A. B., M. DR. Ramos and R. E. Cortez, Jr. 2001. Inducement of Almaciga Resin Production through Ethrel Application. FPRDI Journal. 25, Nos. 1 & 2. January-December 1999: 19-29.

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Kramer, P. J. and T. T. Kozlowski. 1960. Physiology of Trees. McGraw-HillBook Co., Inc. NY.

Parry, E. F. 1921. Gums and resins: their occurrence, properties and uses. London. Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd.

PCARRD Pili Benchmark Survey 1997. Department of Agriculture (DA), RFU 5, San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur. 45 pp.

Philippine Forestry Statistics 2008. Forest Management Bureau (FMB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Diliman, Quezon City. p. 160.

Pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.). 2006. Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (RAFID) in coordination with the Agriculture Marketing Division, Department of Agriculture (DA) RFU 5, San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur. 8 pp.

Tavita, Y. T. and I. I. Palanginan. 1998. Formulation of varnish using Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis Warb.) resin obtained from different localities. FPRDI Journal. 24(2): 39-51.

The Philippines’ Recommends for Pili. PCARRD Philippines Series No. 81. 1997. PCARRD, Los Baños, Laguna. 90 pp.

Toñgacan, A. L. 1972. Technical Note No. 122. FORPRIDECOM, NSDB, College, Laguna, Philippines.

Villanueva, M. A. et. al. 1993. The composition of Manila Elemi Oil. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. Vol. 8:35-37. John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.

West, A. P. and W. H. Brown. 1921. Philippine resins, gums, seed oils and essential oils. In W. H. Brown (Ed.) Minor Products of Philippine Forest (pp. 5-223). Manila Bureau of Printing.

Yamamoto, F. and T. Kowslowski. 1987. Effects of flooding, tilting of stems, and ethrel application on growth, stem anatomy and ethylene production of Pinus densiflora seedlines. J. Exp. Bot. 38 (187): 293-310.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the following institution and organization and individuals who made valuable contributions for the success of this project:

DA-HVCC for funding this project;

DA-HVCC Regional Office through DA Regional Office in Pili, Camarines Sur especially to Director Jose Dayao, Assistant Director Marilyn Sta. Catalina and HVCC Regional Coordinator, Ms. Rose Imperial for the administrative and additional logistic supports;

Governors Raul R. Lee and Sally Lee of Sorsogon province for endorsing our research proposal to DA-HVCC for funding and for the moral support rendered throughout the entire duration of the study;

OPAG-LGU, Sorsogon City especially to Messrs. Esteven D. Garcia and David Gallego and Ms. Debbie C. Ferwelo for the valuable support;

LGU, Bulan, Sorsogon especially to Mayor Helen de Castro, ENRO Forester Kelly Tan and MAO Marietta G. Bayoca for the warm support throughout the duration of the study;

Mr. Floro Calingacion and family for their cooperation and unselfish attitude to have shared their Pili trees to serve as experimental trees;

Mr. Isaias B. Calingacion and kids as caretakers of the experiment;

Mr. Jesus Maria G. Alindogan of PAGASA, Bulan Station for providing the monthly rainfall data;

Ms. Socorro Dizon of FPRDI for the statistical analysis;

Ms. Rik Araral for editing the manuscript;

For. Emmanuel P. Domingo for encoding/inputting data; and

Bugnay and Calomagon folks for the warm camaraderie and making the author stay in Bulan a memorable one.

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Figure 7. For. Arsenio B. Ella and Mr. Floro Calingacion (extreme left), owner of the experimental area, exchange ideas during evaluation of the project site.

Figure 8. A typical stand of pili (Canarium ovatum Engl.) showing vigorous trunk and crown.

Figure 9. After determining the trees’ diameter at breast height (DBH), an initial cut of 2 cm and the desired length of tapping cut (15 cm, 20 cm or 30 cm) are made.

Figure 10. Ethrel solution is applied on the freshly tapped experimental tree.

Figure 11. A polyethylene plastic bag is securely attached to each experimental tree.

Figure 12. Plastic roofing cement is applied to attach the polyethylene sheet.

Figure 13. Resins ooze from freshly tapped Canarium tree.

Figure 14. An experimental tree is set for resin collection, rechipping and ethrel application.

Figure 15. An experimental tree (T# 16) shows a week’s harvest of resin for weighing and monitoring purposes.

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Bulusan Barcelona Casiguran

Irosin Matnog Prieto Diaz

Figure 16. The caretaker of the experimental area patiently weighs his weekly harvest of resin.

Figure 19. Like other resin-producing species, Canarium displays a natural characteristic of exuding resins due to stress.

Figures 17 and 18. For. Ella lectures on Canarium resin tapping in one of the study sites in Sorsogon Province (left) and during the investment forum in Legazpi City (right).

Figure 20. For. Ella explains the details of correct Canarium resin tapping while participants look on.

Figure 21. A participant tries her newly acquired skill in Canarium resin tapping during the practicum.

Figure 22. The resource person, participants, LGUs and other guests pose for souvenir group photos after the lecture series.