Food Crop Potential of Tropical Trees

SUMMARY Trees are important sources of food in both the humid and semi-arid tropics. Some species have been exploited for centuries and are widely distributed around the world, others have been cultivated only in limited areas, while most are still essentially wild. The potential for rapid genetic improvement by clonal selection is enormous and well-proven by the recent history of some species. Trees can yield as much food per hectare as most C 3 annual crops – although special problems may have to be overcome to ensure regular bearing of fruit and nut trees. Trees also offer great ecological and social benefits.