This study aimed to investigate the effects of different pre-sowing treatments on Jatropha curcas seed germination rate and seedling early growth. Growth and vigour of the seedlings was assessed through the measurements of growth parameters, in order to identify the best pre-sowing treatment, which guarantees both the highest seed germination rate and the best development and growth of the seedlings. J. curcas seeds of the 'Indian' cultivar were collected in Tamale region (Ghana) and subjected to five different pre-sowing treatments: i) control; ii) soaking in 30°C water for 24 h; iii) hammer shell cracking; iv) warm stratification at 37°C for 24 h; v) hammer shell cracking plus warm stratification at 37°C for 24 h. Amongst the sixteen indices considered in the experiment (six germination indices and ten growth rate indices), results revealed that the tested pre-sowing treatments influenced much more seed germination than seedling growth. Shell cracking treatment enhanced seed germination and warm stratification promoted emergence rate and seedling growth as compared to the other tested treatments.
A demonstrative and participatory development project on desertification mitigation and rural development has been launched in Northern Africa under SMAP Programme (Short and Medium-term priority environmental Action Programme) financed by the European Union. (Italy) and the partnership of Morocco and Tunisia Agriculture Ministries. The areas concerned are located in regions characterised by rural poverty, food dependency and land abandoning where urgent measures are needed to promote optimisation of resource availability and management for a sustainable development. The project involves direct desertification mitigation by vegetation cover restoration, with drought resistant perennial forage species (Opuntia ficusindica, Atriplex nummularia and Acacia saligna) in highly degraded rangelands in order to mitigate desertification processes while improving rangelands productivity; and adopts measures for local population technical capacities building through training sessions related to all project activities, and making it a concrete demonstration supported by the direct involvement of local communities. Successful actions already carried out in this field by the participants of the project as well as by other Mediterranean countries, has been taken into account, re-elaborated and exploited, thus promoting south/south co-operation and exchange of knowledge. Participation of all actors and especially of local communities is the key point in all phases of the project and is strengthened by means of dissemination and sensitisation campaigns and by training courses. At the end of the project, all actors own/share all choices made and the technology used participating thus to the intervention sustainability.
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