Seedling growth performance of Entandrophragma angolense (Welw.) C. DC as influenced by different light intensities

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of light intensities on the early growth performance of Entandrophragma angolense as an important step towards its domestication. Seedlings of E. angolense were monitored under five light intensities namely: under tree canopy (5%), 25%, 50%, 75% light intensities and control treatment was direct sunlight (100% light intensity). The study was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design and for the period of 3 months. The different light intensities did not significantly affect the height, collar diameter, leaf production and biomass accumulation of E. angolense seedlings. Chlorophyll content of leaf was significantly affected by light intensities. The result from this study has shown that E. angolense seedlings can be easily raised in the nursery under different light intensities. The result revealed that height and other growth parameters as well as biomass accumulation do not depend on the amount of light intensities received. Chlorophyll content of leaves of the seedlings however depend on the amount of light intensities received.

Keywords: Environmental factors, Propagation, Domestication, Biomass, Chlorophyll, light intensity