Vegetative propagation of Triplochiton scleroxylon - a basis for future genetic improvement

Abstract

Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum is an economic timber tree species native to West Africa. As viable seeds of this species are rarely available, vegetative propagation techniques have been developed for the species to overcome this difficulty of seed supply, and to encourage reforestation efforts. Two studies have been carried out to develop vegetative propagation techniques as basis for future genetic improvement of Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum. The studies sought to assess the rooting ability of leafy stem cuttings from coppice shoots from different stump heights and coppice shoots from budded/grafted, mature trees and saplings. Rooting percentage was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the stump height of 0.5 m compared with heights of 1.0 m, 1.5 m and 2.0 m. The root length per rooted cutting and also root number per tooted cutting were found to decrease with increasing stump height. There was also significant difference (P < 0.05) between the rooting percentages of cuttings from different plant material. The root number per rooted cutting was higher in saplings than coppice shoots from mature trees. However, root length was highest in saplings grown under shade and lowest in cuttings from saplings grown under direct sunlight. The results indicate that coppice shoots should be taken at low stump height to ensure high rooting success. These results also suggest that rooting ability is strongly influenced by the origin of material, and the most appropriate in saplings grown under shade and lowest in cuttings from saplings grown under direct sunlight. Material for propagation for practical purposes also appears to be coppice shoots from either seedlings or felled mature trees.


JOURNAL OF THE GHANA SCIENCE ASSOCIATION Volume 1 Number 1, July (1998) pp. 151-157