ICRAF - MPTS Database

ICRAF's Multipurpose Tree and Shrub Database

Version 1.0


Dataset Abstract/Summary

The Multipurpose Tree and Shrub Database (MPTS) held by the International Council for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), is a user-friendly computing tool developed for the retrieval of detailed information on multipurpose tree and shrub species. The database comes with software that allows the user to browse species or create parameters for the selection of species based on any number of physical and social variables. The MPTS User' Manual describes it as, "a computer-based information and decision-support system founded on an inventory of existing information about multipurpose tree and shrub species in the tropics and sub-tropics. In the context of the database, multipurpose trees and shrubs are those that are deliberately grown or kept in integrated land-use systems and are often managed for more than one output. They are expected to make a significant economic or ecological impact, or both. This definition also includes forest plantation species that are grown primarily for lumber, provided that they are used in integrated land-use systems. The main objective of the database is to provide detailed information on a large number of species to field workers and researchers who are engaged in activities involving woody perennials suitable for agroforestry systems and technologies. It is designed to help them make rational decisions regarding the choice of candidate species for specific sites and defined purposes."


Archival and Access Information

ICRAF is making the Multipurpose Tree and Shrub Database available to the relevant research and development community. Version 1.0 is now available through CIESIN; in addition, it is expected that future versions and additions to the MPTS Database will be forthcoming.


Dataset Variables

The database currently consists of some 1,093 species and 2,340 descriptions (records) of tropical and subtropical woody perennials. The database is built under a graphical interface that allows the user to select species based on any number of criteria. MPTS software allows the user to create complex site specific parameters (e.g., biophysical characteristics, cultivation problems, intended uses, etc.), and combine these with Boolean expressions, or simply select species by name. Information regarding the selected species can then be retrieved and sent to a file or printer for display.

Information on individual/appropriate species can be retrieved by stating any part of a species name (taxonomic/binome or vernacular), or by constructing a search with site specific parameters. Many variables can be combined with Boolean expressions to form these complex searches. For example, each of the following subject headings consists of numerous variables: koeppen codes; food; fodder; wood products; utilities; MPT services; propagation; soil texture; soil reaction; waterlogging; salinity; FAO soil classification; soil depth; plant morphology; management; cultivation problems; environmental responses; countries; and, regions. Under each of these subject headings resides a number of variable for the incorporation within a query (e.g., under wood products, variables like, 'wood for fuel', 'wood for house materials', or 'wood for furniture', etc., would appear and could be incorporated within a query).

Additional criteria may also be entered into a query (e.g., specific climatic characteristics, agroforestry technology, etc.), while additional features for dealing with search results are also available (e.g., refining a search, sending profile descriptions to a system file, etc.).


Data Acquisition/Collection Summary

The information and data within the MPTS Database originate either from field observations or from the relevant literature. Field observation records are referred to as 'site-specific records'. These records are descriptions of species growing in a distinct site or area, and are gathered by field informants. Records gathered from the relevant literature (e.g., research reports, summary descriptions, theses, project documents and compendium-type books) were usually compiled from various sources. In most instances all taxonomic names were verified by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom, for correct taxonomic nomenclature and for correct assignment to families.


Related Datasets

The MPTS Database was created under the Multipurpose Tree Improvement Programme at ICRAF. Additional information on ICRAF programmes and resources is also available. Being one of eighteen centers within the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), information on related activities and resources may be available through CGIAR and its members.

Additional Datasets may be located through CIESIN's Catalog System.


Contacts and References


Keywords

Agroforestry, multipurpose trees, multipurpose shrubs, woody perennials, taxonomy, dendrology, germplasm, decision support systems, database, inventory.