TAPPING OLEORESIN FROM DIPTEROCARPUS-ALATUS (DIPTEROCARPACEAE) IN A LAO VILLAGE

Dipterocarpus alatus (Dipterocarpaceae) is native to the mainland of S outheast Asia, where its oleoresin is used by indigenous people for il lumination and for waterproofing baskets and bouts. In modern society it is used for paint, varnish and lacquer and the essential oil is use d as a fixative in perfumes. This species is also important for its ti mber. Tapping, marketing and economic importance of this non-timber fo rest product in a Laotian village, is described here. Annual productio n of oleoresin per tapped tree is between 22.5 and 31.0 l and the pric e received by the tappers is US $0.30/l. The product represents a main source of cash income to many villagers and the recent approach by bu siness man could indicate an increased demand. There are good possibil ities to enhance revenues for the tappers by adding value to the produ ct at the source.