Provision of Adequate Tree Seed Portfolios (PATSPO) is a national tree seed project (2017–2021) financed by the Norwegian Government. This initiative aims to support the Ethiopian Government to make the best possible tree seed available for its ambitious landscape restoration programme which is part of its ‘green economy strategy’.

The establishment of new high-quality seed sources for priority tree species is one of the priorities of PATSPO. The concept of ‘breeding seed orchards’ (BSOs) was selected as it combines testing/improvement and seed production at the same time.

In collaboration with its partners, PATSPO has established more than 25 BSOs from 2018 to 2020. The health and vigor of the seed, seedlings, and plants established in the field is crucial, as it ensures maximum growth and seed production from the BSOs, which also serve as tree improvement units.

These guidelines introduce health issues and cover: i) principles for forest and plantation forest health management; ii) specific health threats and strategies to observe, monitor, and treat them for the various steps in BSO establishment (seed collection, seed storage, nursery operation, field planting, and post-field planting).