Abstract:The growing of trees could be hindered by seed dormancy problems or unavailability of sufficient quantities of seeds, hence vegetative propagation using simple propagules like stem cuttings is a valued option especially for resource poor farmers. The rooting potential of mature stem cuttings of Gambeya albida, Irvingia gabonensis, Annona muricata, Garcinia kola and Triplochiton scleroxylon was investigated in a humid tent propagator without enhancement by artificial hormones. Propagation indicative parameters were estimated using percentages. G. kola had the highest root-ability indices with cutting survival rate of 85%, callus formation (75%), leaf loss (35%), days to axial bud sprout (55 days), days to leaf loss (23 days) and number of new leaves produced (9) at termination of study. T.scleroxylon had no survivals; an axial bud sprouted at 51 days but withered off by the third day. Other species were between these two extremes. Root-ability potential categorization for the species on the basis of this investigation was: easy to root for: G.kola and A.muricata, moderately easy to root for I.gabonensis and G.albida,unable to root for T.scleroxylon.The use of artificial hormone, juvenile stem cutting and somatic embryogenesis trials has been suggested especially for the moderately easy and unable to root categories.
This study examined the effect of seed source and pre-sowing treatment on germination of Canarium schweinfurthii [Engl] seeds. The seeds were sourced from Unubi in Anambra state (T1) and Jos in Plateau state (T2) in Nigeria. The experiment was conducted at the University of Benin and lasted for 14 weeks. It was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) pattern using 2x7 factorial combinations of 2 sources and 7 pre-sowing treatments. The pre-sowing treatments were complete removal of seed coat (CR), partial cracking (PC), burning under dry grass (BG), 70% H2S04 (7H), 80% H2S04 (8H), 3 days (72 hours) soaking in water (SW) and control (CT). Germination parameters investigated were days to germination, germination percentage, germination energy, germination period and germination value. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% significance and significant means were separated using LSD. There was no significant difference in the mean days to germination (20.7 days in T1 and 21 days for T2) and mean germination percentages (31.14% in T1 and 31.71% for T2) of the sources. The treatments days to germination were significantly different with CR being the first to germinate (12 days) while 7H germinated last (41 days). There was significant difference in the mean germination period (31.71 days in T1 and 23.57 days for T2), germination energy (1.24 in T1 and 2.38 for T2) and germination values (0.3 in T1 and 0.54 for T2) in the investigated sources, while the mean germination percentages of the pre-sowing treatments irrespective of source were significantly different. Treatments BG had the best mean germination percentage followed by treatment SW and CT while 8H had the poorest. It is therefore recommended that treatment BG is the best followed by SW for increase in germination percentage. But where seedlings are needed in little quantity within a short time, treatments CR and PC are recommended. Acid treatment is unsuitable for the seeds of Canarium schweinfurthii.
The effects of seed pre-treatment methods on the germination and growth of Myrianthus arboreus under two light regimes was conducted in the nursery of the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management, University of Benin, Benin City. The seed pre-treatment methods were 24 hours soaking in water (T1), 12 hours soaking in water (T2), seeds tied in black nylon (T3), control no treatment (T4) and repeated under two light regimes which were open light regime and medium light regime. Experiment was set up in Completely Randomized Design manner (CRD.) Analysis of variance was used to analyze the results of germination and growth parameters measured. Germination percentages in the open light regime were 52, 56, 52 and 56% for T1, T2,T3, and T4 respectively while germination percentage in the medium light regime were 100, 64, 0 and 32% for T1, T2, T3, and T4 respectively. The mean shoot heights (cm) were 10.22 and 5.36 in the open light regime and medium light regime respectively. Collar girths (mm) were 1.99 and 1.11 number of leaves were 3.39 and 2.23 while the mean shoot to root ratio was 1.01 and 0.99 for the open light regime and the medium light regime respectively. Therefore, it is recommended that the seeds of Myrianthus arboreus be soaked in water for 24 hours, sown under medium transferred at the 2-leaf stage to the open light regime (or shading removed) where they will grow until planting out time.
Edible seeds of forest tree crop may be unavailable in sufficient quantity for tree planting projects and so there is need for storage. The germination response of Treculia africana seeds to storage method, duration and moisture content was investigated. Three storage methods were used namely; open basket, jute bag and air-right bottle. Moisture content over time under the storage regimes was investigated for five weeks while the storage aspect was monitored for 20 weeks. The experimental layout was completely Randomized design with threetreatments and three replications. Data was analysed using one way ANOVA at 5% level of significance. Fresh seeds had 100% germination. After first week of storage, this valued decreased to 73.3% and 83.3%, and drastically reduced to 3.3% and 13.3% for seeds stored in the open basket and jute bag respectively. The air-tight bottle maintained values of between 93.3-100% throughout the investigation period. There was statistical difference between storage method and duration. The moisture content of freshly extracted seeds was 36.95% and air-tight bottle maintained steady values were between 35.95 – 35.98%; the values for the open basket and jute bag dropped to 18.97 and 20.13% respectively within five weeks and the critical moisture content of < 24.16% was attained in three weeks after which there was no further germination. It is recommended that fresh seeds of T. africana be sown and where long term storage is needed, the air-tight bottle should be used, but resource poor farmers may employ the jute bag to store the seeds for only two weeks if seeds are meant for sowing. Further research is needed in getting appropriate storage devices for large scale storage of seeds for this important crop.
6%), control (fresh) (3.3%) and control (old) (0%). At the termination of growth study, seedlings had a mean height of 21.15cm, 13.15cm and 11.62cm; mean collar girth of 3.83mm, 3.53mm and 3.51mm; mean number of leaves of 4.96, 4.70 and 4.62, fresh weight of 24.30, 18.30 and 12.75 and a dry weight of 11.45, 8.3 and 6.2
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.