Reforestation: Production of Bitaog Trees, identifying the pH level needed to ensure

adequate proper nutrients for them to grow rapidly and what are the other ways to
propagate them.

Jesica S. Castro

Graduate School

St. Paul University Philippines

Jesica S. Castro, Graduate School (MST Biology), St. Paul University Philippines

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Jesica S. Castro

.Graduate School (MST Biology), St. Paul University Philippines, Mabini St, Tuguegarao

City 3500.

This APA Research Proposal Guidelines was based mainly on two documents used by

Brown, W.H. 1921. Minor Products of Philippine Forests. Vol. 11 Bull. No. 22.Department of

Agriculture and Natural Resources. Bureau of Forestry, pp. 156-160 ,Dayan, Maria d.P., R.S.

Reaviles and V. dP. Abarro.2005. Forest Tree Seeds.Phenological Guidebook. DENR

Recommends No. 14. ERDB-DENR, College,Laguna. p. 21, and

http://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/765868/native-tree-month-bitaog-calophyllum-

inophyllum-bl

Contact: jesica_castro1023@yahoo.com
 Abstract

Bitaog Tree has a scientific name of CalophyllumInophyllum under the family Guttiferaeand
is described generally as a medium-sized to large evergreen tree that averages 820 m (2565
ft.) in height with a broad spreading crown of irregular branches. It grows along coastal areas
and adjacent lowland forests.

This tree is usually used as ornamental plant for its grandiose canopy aside from its hard
wood that is prized for carving, furniture and boat making. Leaves and fruits are poisonous
but the seeds are the source of Calophyllum oil which is said to have a medicinal and healing
property for skin diseases and liniment for rheumatism in India. Because of environment and
human health concerns, worldwide research are being implemented to decline the effects of
any disastrous that comes on our way of living. In this chapter, it discuss about the production
of Bitaog tree regardless with their needs, characteristics and pH level of the soil. It states
here that there were also two ways in producing this kind of tree through seedlings and
wildlings. But in this research the experimental method used was observing the seedlings of
Bitaog trees in different media of soil.

One of thebenefits of producing this kind of plant is to avoid any calamity produced by heavy
rain. Although the progress in this regard is hard to achieve, nevertheless some promising
results are coming and more are expected in future on how the production of this plant. This
review attempts to discuss for the sustainable management of the environment.

Keywords: Wildlings, decline, production, sustainable management, Degradation Soil.

 CHAPTER I

Introduction

Plant production is one factor that defines the achievement of plant establishment.

Considering the fact that most of us are already abreast about the situation of our

environment because of the remarks left by Super typhoon Lawin last October 19,

2016.Since we know how difficult to endure this kind of catastrophe because it always bring

so much floods in our community especially in low-land area.The objective of this study is to

think solutions to the problems around the continent. This chapter describesthe production,

and the pH level of soil neededby Bitaog treesand how to propagate them so that we can

make a way to raise them in order to help everybody, perhaps this kind of tree has a vital role

in our lifeespecially to our health and a way of living.

Bitaog Tree has a scientific name of CalophyllumInophyllum under the family

Guttiferaeand is described as medium to large-sized tree which attains a height of 25-35 m

and a diameter at breast height of 150 cm. Its trunk is short with low big branches and a dense

spreading crown. The bark outside is rough, dark brown to blackish. Its leaves are simple

opposite, leathery, and oblong. The inflorescences branches, occasionally with three flowered

branches. Flowers are snowy, white, and fragrant with numerous yellow stamens. Fruits in a

small bunch or drupe they are round, smooth, with green exocarp measuring 3-4 cm in

diameter. Its yellow seeds are enclosed in thin, dark brown cork and thin, brittle light brown

shell with a diameter of 2-3 cm. Bitaog is found throughout the Philippines, grows along

coastal areas and adjacent lowland forests, and it forms a characteristic strand. Natural

regeneration usually occurs near the mother tree.

(http://www.lovemindanao.com/2012/10/bitaog.html)

However, Bitaog is rare to see in some areas especially in Tuguegarao City, based

upon reading there are only 10 mature trees in Siquijor. In Cebu, bitaog is found in
BoljoonMunicipal Hall and few trees are in the Osmea Reforestation Project, Camp 7,

Minglanilla, Cebu.

Without knowing Bitaog may be used in many cases for examples in making

plywood, boat and furniture these items are being produced from the wood of Bitaog trees.

Moreover, these are in great demand in the marketplace because of its good quality, and

delicate design. But as Bitaog boosted acceptance, diminution will also follows. Considering

the importance of these organisms, a need to bring about plantations in the production of this

organism in some area, biodiversity management and for the prolongation of the organism is

a must for the next generation of our community. This is the reason why we need to do a

research about the production,and the pH level of soil needed by Bitaog trees and how to

propagate them, so that we know how to start the process of production of this plant since

Bitaog is common in seashores and sandy soil.

Through the helped of www. google.com this kind of tree can be propagated both by

seeds and wildlings but in this chapter it talks only about the production of Bitaog through

wildingswherein wildlings have extreme survival rate, wildlings are uprooted by breaking the

soil with a spade after the heavy rain so that all the roots would not be cut. The other

requirement for them to grow is in the uplands up to 400-500 masl and it needs calcareous

soil with high pH and it can also grow in mine tailing areas and degraded soil but before we

start producing this kind of tree, there are questions that we must adhere for us to

succeed.How to take care of your Bitaog seedlings? What is the pH level of soil needed by

Bitaog seedlings?These are the following steps in planting Bitaog tree through seedlings.

a. After uprooting the seedlings we must clean first the space where you need to

plant.
b. Eliminate all the undesirable weeds
 c. Nurture the soil nearby the base of the seedling (50 cm radius) once in every

quarter for two to three years. Make sure that a one-meter radius is kept free from

other vegetation.
d. Dig a plant hole with measurements of at least 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm.
e. Plant the seedling at proper depth.
f. Root collar should be at level with or a little below the ground surface with the

seedling oriented upward.

g. Fill the hole with top or garden soil and press soil firmly around the base of the

seedling.

In plantation-making, seedlings should maintain a two-meter distance between

seedlings if planted in a row of a three-meter distance from one strip to the next strip.

Eliminateinfectedplants nearby to discontinue plant diseases from spreading and

contaminating your seedling. Monitor regularly the growth of the trees for presence of pests

and diseases.

In this study aims to discover the production,and the pH level of soil needed of Bitaog

trees that will provide information on how to enhance our knowledge in the production of

Bitaog. Production of Bitaog can help everybody most especially the farmers or the

researchers to determine the process that would help in the growth performance of this plant,

as we know that this plant is great demands because of its practical uses in the marketplace,

therefore it is important to be acquainted in the improvement or in the production practices in

order to produce high quality of Bitaog and produce any other important value coming from

this plant.

Bitaog has many uses that soon Philippines would be depended on its importance. To

help sustain the environment as early as now we should encourage everyone to invest some

cares about environment and plant more bitaog trees because most of our lives were

depending on the gifts given by the environment.

 Review of Related Literature

This chapter presents the related studies and related literature that served as the

background in the conceptualization of the study.

Bitaog, scientifically known as Calophylluminophylum L is perennial plant widely

used as ornamental plant because of its aromatic flowers, attractive leaves and spreading

crown. Historically, the trees were considered sacred relics by carving it prior to the

conversion of Polynesian to Christianity (Dweck and Meadows, 20020. According to old

folks in Vigan and nearby towns, the oil is used in lighting lamps and also cooking as early as

1940s. The hard and strong wood of the tree is best suited for construction or boat building. It

was known to be good source of dark green oil with high-valued medicinal use. Cosmetic

manufactures make use of this plant as ingredient in skin creams because of the presence of

an active ingredient in the oil which helps regenerate tissue. (en.wikipedia.org).

Bitaog is medium to large-sized tree which attains a height of 25-35 m and a diameter

at breast height of 150 cm. Its trunk is short with low big branches and a dense spreading

crown. The bark outside is rough, dark brown to blackish. Its leaves are simple opposite,

leathery, and oblong. The inflorescences branch, occasionally with three flowered branches.

Flowers are snowy, white, and fragrant with numerous yellow stamens. Fruits are small

bunch or drupe. They are round, smooth, with green exocarp measuring 3-4 cm in diameter.

Its yellow seeds are enclosed in thin, dark brown cork and thin, brittle light brown shell with

a diameter of 2-3 cm.

The tree is distributed throughout the Philippines, indigenous in Southeast Asia to

tropical coasts, in the Pacific (Polynesian Islands). India to East Africa, Northern Australia,

Central and Northern Queensland. Bitaog is now rare in Central Visayas. There are only 10
mature trees in Siquijor. In Cebu, bitaog is found in Bulhoon Municipal Hall and few trees in

Osmea Reforestation Project, Camp 7, Minglanilla, Cebu.

Uses

Tree shade, shelter, windbreak esplanade planting, reforestation andafforestation species.

Timber construction, furniture and cabinet work, ship stern, gunstock, musicalinstrument,

cartwheel hubs, vessels, canoes and boats.

Bark source of tannin

Flowers bouquets and wreaths

Seed source of bitaog oil or tamanu oil, the sacred oil of ancient Tahitian. Theoil is a

potent healing agent that promotes the formation of new tissue, therebyaccelerating wound

healing and growth of healthy skin a process known ascicatrisation. Bitaog oil is one of the

most effective and known cicatrizing agentin nature.The oil with its unusual absorption, mild

and pleasant aroma makes it ideal foruse in lotions, creams and other cosmetic products. It is

also excellent for soapmaking.The Polynesian women use it for the care of their babies skin,

which is sensitiveto rashes and other skin problems. It is also a traditional topical aid where

the oil is applied to cuts, scrapes, burns,insect bites and stings, abrasions, acne and acne scars,

psoriasis, diabeticsores, anal fissures, sunburn, dry or scaly skin, blisters, eczema, herpes

sores,athlete foot, and body stench and hair loss. The oil when massaged intothe skin relieves

neuralgia, rheumatism, sprains and sciatica. It also hasantibacterial and anti-inflammatory

properties.The ethyl ether of the oil is used as an intramuscular injection to relieve pain

andsymptom of leprosy. It also combats head lice and eliminates dandruff.Used as illuminate

in the rural areas, the freshly fallen fruits are gathered and thepulp is allowed to ferment. The

fermented pulp is removed by hand. The thinshell is then cracked and the kernel is thinly

sliced and dried thoroughly underthe sun. The dried kernel slivers are steamed and the oil is
squeezed by hands.The extracted oil is used as lamp oil and in the preparation of

varnish.Bitaog oil is greenish yellow in colour: The kernels contain 60-75% oil. The

oilcontains 71.5% fatty oil and 28.4% resin. The fatty acids consist largely ofpalmitic, oleic

and stearic acid.

The habitat of Bitaog is common in seashores and sandy beaches. It is also found in

areas with sandy. The site requirements for Bitaog are they grow in the uplands up to 400-500

m asl. It needs calcareous soil with high pH. It can also grow in mine tailing areas and

degraded soil. Bitaog can be propagated through seeds. Collect the seeds from the tree either

by picking individual fruits, looping off the branches with pruning poles, or collecting them

from the ground. Extract the pulp manually and air dry the seeds. Do not dry under the

sun.The seed type is intermediate. Before planting the seeds, pre-treatment is important.

Remove the shell completely then soak the seeds in tap water overnight. Seeds will germinate

in 8-12 days. The treated seeds are then directly sowed in the medium containing 1:1:1

ordinary garden soil, dried humus, and fine sand in plastic trays or in seed boxes. Bitaog can

also be propagated by wildlings which abound under the canopy of some mother trees. Bitaog

wildlings, having hardy thick leaves, have a high survival rate. In Plantation establishment

uproot wildlings by breaking the soil with a spade after heavy rain. Uprooted wildlings are

then packed in newspaper and used clothing before placing them in a folded banana

leaf/sheath.

Since the beginning, aside from its historical values, trees have furnished us with two

of life's essentials, food and oxygen. It's not too hard to believe that without trees we would

not exist on this beautiful planet.

Here is a short list of reasons trees are necessary for improving our worldly condition.

1. Trees Produce Oxygen

Let's face it, we could not exist as we do if there were no trees. A mature leafy tree produces

as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year. What many people don't realize is

the forest also acts as a giant filter that cleans the air we breath.

2. Trees Clean the Soil

The term phytoremediation is a fancy word for the absorption of dangerous chemicals and

other pollutants that have entered the soil. Trees can either store harmful pollutants or

actually change the pollutant into less harmful forms. Trees filter sewage and farm chemicals,

reduce the effects of animal wastes, clean roadside spills and clean water runoff into streams.

3. Trees Control Noise Pollution

Trees muffle urban noise almost as effectively as stone walls. Trees, planted at strategic

points in a neighbourhood or around your house, can abate major noises from freeways and

airports.

4. Trees Slow Storm Water Runoff

Flash flooding can be dramatically reduced by a forest or by planting trees. One Colorado

blue spruce, either planted or growing wild, can intercept more than 1000 gallons of water

annually when fully grown. Underground water-holding aquifers are recharged with this

slowing down of water runoff.

5. Trees Are Carbon Sinks

To produce its food, a tree absorbs and locks away carbon dioxide in the wood, roots and

leaves. Carbon dioxide is a global warming suspect. A forest is a carbon storage area or a

"sink" that can lock up as much carbon as it produces. This locking-up process "stores"

carbon as wood and not as an available "greenhouse" gas.

6. Trees Clean the Air

Trees help cleanse the air by intercepting airborne particles, reducing heat, and absorbing

such pollutants as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Trees remove this

air pollution by lowering air temperature, through respiration, and by retaining particulates.

7. Trees Shade and Cool

Shade resulting in cooling is what a tree is best known for. Shade from trees reduces the need

for air conditioning in summer. In winter, trees break the force of winter winds, lowering

heating costs. Studies have shown that parts of cities without cooling shade from trees can

literally be "heat islands" with temperatures as much as 12 degrees Fahrenheit higher than

surrounding areas.

8. Trees Act as Windbreaks.

During windy and cold seasons, trees located on the windward side act as windbreaks. A

windbreak can lower home heating bills up to 30% and have a significant effect on reducing

snow drifts. A reduction in wind can also reduce the drying effect on soil and vegetation

behind the windbreak and help keep precious topsoil in place.

Statement of the Problem

Generally, the study seeks how the production of Bitaog tree, identify the elements, and the

pH level of soil needed by Bitaog treesto raise them because Bitaog is a good source plant

that upholds the soil when floods occur in order to help the farmers for the incoming typhoon

for their crops not to experience drowning and not only a weapon for the typhoon but also

give environment supplies coming from these trees.

What are the profiles of the subject in terms of?

a. Length
 b. Soil level

i. pH level needed
c. Atmosphere

Specifically, the study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What common area do they grow?
2. What are the advantages of having this plant in our area?

3. What is the pH level needed by Bitaog tree?

4. How to propagate Bitaog tree?
5. What are the nutrient requirements of Bitaog trees?

Definition of Terms

Production isthe action of making or manufacturing from components or raw

materials, or the process of being so manufactured.

Seedling isa young plant that is grown from seeds.

Decline is(typically of something regarded as good) become smaller, fewer, or less;

decrease.

Sustainable Management takes the concepts from sustainability and synthesizes

them with the concepts of management.

Wildlings are uprooted by breaking the soil with a spade after the heavy rain so that

all the roots would not be cut.

CHAPTER II

Methodology

This Chapter accentuates the results of the study. As you can see the pictures below

those are the results of soil testing wherein Sample #1 andSample #2, came from different
media of soil in order to know the pH levelto what characteristic of soil that most Bitaog trees

grow faster and to identify their corresponding needs to produce them rapidly.

SAMPLE #1 (along riverside Tuguegarao City)

SAMPLE #2 (Mountain soil Solana,

Cagayan)
Research Design

In order to satisfy the objectives of the study, testing and observation were used

wherein it is a procedure to draw information about the Properties of things and their

corresponding growth length.

In this research, the experimental method for the production of Bitaog trees which it

needs to identify the pH level of the soil that is needed for the Bitaog trees to grow rapidly.

The research design used was quantitative design because the studydetermined the pH level

and the growth length of Bitaog trees.

We say that it is quantitative design because we do testing which have the higher

potential to provide general information in knowing the pH level of the soil, and to measure

the growth length of Bitaog from different media of soils for the allotted days.
 Quantitative design is conducted throughtesting and observation and it offers a

complete analysis of a research subject. In addition to it, quantitative takes number to identify

the pH level and measure the growth length of Bitaog leaves for the allotted days. The said

experiments are the following;

Hypothesis

In this research I will test the durability and growth rate of the plants

through different media of soils wherein the soils came from different area and

they put in different atmosphere.

Procedure

1. I will observe 3 seedlings, (1) one will be the control group, and 2 will be the

experimental groups.

2. There will be one seedling in each plastic.

3. I will place 2 seedlings where they can receive the same amount of light daily and

they will be planted to the same depth and (1) one seedling will be placed inside

the room or where it cant receive sunlight.

4. All plants will receive the same amount of water (tap water). The only difference

will be the different media of the soils. 2 seedlings will be planted in sample #1

(soil came from the riverside) while 1 seedling will be planted in sample #2 soil

(soil came from the mountain).

5. My control seedling will be planted in sample #1 (soil along riverside from

Tuguegarao City). My experimental seedlings will be planted in sample #1 and

sample #2 with different atmosphere.

6. I will record my data for allotted days: when the seedlings had already changes

regardless of the growth length, measurement of the leaves, and the number of

leaves added.
 7. Then I will analyze my data, accept or reject my hypothesis, write a summary and

conclusion, and apply my findings.

Materials

3 Bitaog seedlingsData collection form

Tap water 2 kg. of soil

Measuring Container Ruler

GROWTH OF BITAOG SEEDLINGS FROM DIFFERENT MEDIA

According To Different Categories

SEEDLINGS cm D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D 10
Plant A (T) 7 7 7 7.1 7.1 7.2 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.5 7.5
Plant B (S) MEASUREMENT 6 6 6 6 6.2 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.6 6.7
OF
PlantC (T) 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.8 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.9 3.9
LEAF

SEEDLINGS D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D 10
Plant A (T) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Plant B (S) LEAVES 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ADDED
PlantC (T) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0

SEEDLINGS cm D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D 10
Plant A (T) 11 11 11 11.2 11.3 11.3 11.5 11.7 11.8 12 12
Plant B (S) GROWTH 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.7 9.8 9.9 10 10 10
LENGTH
PlantC (T) 5.9 5.9 5.9 6 6.3 6.6 6.8 7 7 7.1 7.1
Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3

Participants

In this experimental study, it discuss regarding the Production of Plants, and the pH

level in order to ensure the adequate mineral nutrients availability that Bitaog trees needed

the most. Bitaog seedlings will be chosen to conduct the experimental for the study to be put

in different media of soils in order to identify what is the pH level needed and where do they

grow rapidly.

Instrumentation

For this study, the researcher gathered data through collecting Bitaogseedlings along

riverside in Tuguegarao City through wildlings. The researcher also seek help for testing the

soil in the Regional Soils Laboratory to pursue the experimental research and one of the

resources is through searching Google to reach the objectives of this study.

Data Analysis

The data was gathered through testing and observation. Based on the

observation there is no significance difference of Bitaog growth regardless of the

different media of soils, as you can see the result above wherein the soil are being
separated from different media and both took the evidence that Bitaog seedlings grew

on both soils even though the results are acidity and alkaline because as the researcher

observed the seedlings are both growing in different media, aside from the seedling that

the researcher put inside the room where it cant receive sunlight the researcher

observed that it grows more healthy than the seedlings that being put outside receiving

the raise of the sunlight.

Therefore, it concludes that atmosphere is one of the reasons why Bitaog trees

grow more in coastal area because of the cool atmosphere. By just looking the results

the pH level of the soil are acidity and alkaline but still the seedlings continuously grow

due to different media and it implies that there is no bearing with their growth. It also

states there the nutrient requirements for the Bitaog trees for them grow rapidly. These

are the following Fertilizer Recommendations;

a.

b.

Bitaog trees can also be propagated through seedlings, and wildings. Therefore, lets

start to save the planet earth and lets practice to conserve and be an environmentalist

lover.

References
 Brown, W.H. 1921. Minor Products of Philippine Forests. Vol. 11 Bull. No.

22.Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Bureau of Forestry, pp. 156-160

Dayan, Maria d.P., R.S. Reaviles and V. dP. Abarro.2005. Forest Tree

Seeds.Phenological Guidebook. DENR Recommends No. 14. ERDB-DENR, College,

Laguna. p. 21

De Guzman, E. and R.M. Umali. 1986. Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna. Vol. III,

NRMC, MNR and UP.pp. 168.

Lapis, Aida-Baja, M.E. David, C.G. Reyes and B.S. Audije. 2004. Aseans 100 Most

Precious Plants. ASEAN Regional Centre for Biodiversity Conservation.P. 94.

Rojo, Justo P. 1999. Revised Lexicon of Philippine Trees.Forest Products Research

and Development Institute.Department of Science and Technology, College, Laguna.p. 186.

Yao, C.E. 1955. Bitaog for shades and degraded soil.The Philippine Lumberman.Vol.

42 no. 4. pp. 36-37.

Ocampo, A.M. (2004). Integrated Nutrient Management in Corn.Integrated Crop

Management Module and Manual in Corn.Department of Agriculture- Agricultural Training

Institute & Bureau of Agricultural Research, & National Corn RDE Network- Institute of

Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, UPLB.

OTHER ONLINE REFERENCES

http://www.lovemindanao.com/2012/10/bitaog.html

http://e rdb.denr.gov.ph/files/publications/rise/r_v16n1.pdf

http://unp.edu.ph/docs_research/v20n1_2011/7210-7329-1-PB.pdf

http://www.science.ph/program/PSTA_Jan-June2015.pdf
http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PNABH313.pdf

http://search.proquest.com/docview/232846116/10DB90F596814665PQ/12?accountid=3367

Rhoades, H. gardening Know How: How to Soak Seeds before Planting and the

Reasons for Soaking Seeds. Retrieved from http: // www.gardeningknowhow.com