Potential germination and initial growth of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst, in Niger

Abstract

Objective: The Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) tree is an agroforestry species subjected to various pressures in Niger. A study of potential germination and initial growth of seedlings was conducted in Niamey. The objective of the study was to determine the parameters of seed germination and initial growth of seedlings of this species in order to assess how the findings could help in reforestation in some areas.

Methodology: The parameters studied for the germination test were: latency duration, germination capacity and germination speed. Seedling growth study focused on the thrust leaves and root growth rate.

Results: The results showed that germination capacity of seeds is 68.33% for a germination period of 30 days. Seedling foliage production is  characterized by a rapid growth phase in the number of leaves in the
first month (5 leaves) and a slight decrease in the appearance of new leaves in the fourth month (17 leaves). Height growth of seedlings, 30.37 ± 7.09 cm, in the first month is greater than the pivot root, 15.52 ± 3.49 cm (p<0,001). A steady increase of 1.51 ± 0.10 mm per month was  observed in basal diameter reaching an average diameter of 8.97 ± 1.49 mm in the fourth month.

Conclusion and applicability of the results: This study showed that S. birrea has good potentialities of sexual reproduction with a relatively short latency and good germination capacity. Also, the introduction of this species in reforestation programs offers a solution of sustainable reforestation of the complex of classified forest of Dan Kada Dodo - Dan Gado.

Keywords: Sclerocarya birrea, cores, Germination, initial growth, Niger