Study of Palm Frond Senescence and Falling with Respect to Risk Management 從風險角度研究棕櫚葉的衰老及掉落

Poster presentation published:

Ng, K.H., Ho C.K., Ho, S.W., Liu, C.S., Yuen, C.M., Ho, K.C.C., Wong, C.Y. (2017). Study of Palm Frond Senescence and Falling with Respect to Risk Management. Poster Presentation. 2nd Asia Pacific Urban Forestry Meeting. Food and Agriculture Organization, UN

Abstract:

There were accidents of fallen palm fronds which caused injuries.  Two large palm species namely, Archontophoenix alexandrae and Roystonea regia, commonly planted in urban environment in Hong Kong, were selected for studying the time required for frond falling from the set off of senescence.  Time required for a frond, and sheath remained after pruning to fall was studied.  Relationship of frond falling time with palm height, trunk diameter was also compared.  Scale of frond chlorosis (stage 0 to stage 5) was established to record the stages of senescence.

The results suggest the timing of pruning of senescent frond blades as a risk mitigation for the pedestrian under the palms and recommend further study of the management approach of such large palm fronds.

Keywords: Roystonea regia, Palm fronds, Tree Management, Tree maintenance, Hong Kong

Author info:

-          *Ka Hei NG, *Chin Kiu HO, *Sze Wing HO, *Cheuk Sang LIU, *Chun Man YUEN, ^Chris, Ka Chai HO, Chiky, ^Cheuk Yuet WONG

-          *Final year students (Higher Diploma in Conservation and Tree Management) and ^lecturers

-          Department of Applied Science, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Sha Tin)

-          21 Yuen Wo Road, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong

-          chriskcho@vtc.edu.hk, chikywong@vtc.edu.hk