Assessment of Tamarindus indica L. stands in the forest areas of Kuinima and Dindéresso in Western Burkina Faso

Abstract

Tamarindus indica L. is a multi-purpose wild fruit tree that is highly exploited in Burkina Faso, and its habitats are being degraded. This  study aimsed to determine the demographic and health characteristics of Tamarindus indica conserved in different habitats in western  Burkina Faso. So three types of land management were identified: agroforestry parklands (PA), parts of forests subjected to wildfire (FAF)  and parts of forests that have not been subjected to wildfire (FSF). Some 146 square plots measuring 2,500 m2 each were set up,  including 65 in PA, 46 in FAF and 37 in FSF. An exhaustive inventory of trees was carried out and the dendrometric parameters recorded.  The health of each individual was assessed. The results reveal a species richness of 82 species composed of 65 genera and 33 families.  The highest density values were found in the FAF (55.33±4.27 N/ha); mean diameter in the PA (30.22±16.46 cm); mean number of T. indica  regenerations (PA=1.73±0.67 seedlings/ha; FAF=3.30±1.02 seedlings/ha; FSF=7.14±1.14 seedlings/ha). These values varied  significantly (p˂0.05) with the land management method. Tamarind has low regeneration and it regenerates more by seedling (77.44%)  than by shoot (22.56%). It is cut down and burnt, and the tree infestation rate is higher in agroforestry parklands (11.84%). It would  therefore be essential to determine the conditions for conserving its seeds and encourage the practice of assisted regeneration to  safeguard the species.