Diversity and natural regeneration status of Pleurotus (fr) host trees in montane forests of Etinde (Cameroon) and Ngel-nyaki (Nigeria) for proper management

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the possible survival rate of Pleurotus host tree species in the nearest future within montane forests.  An ecological survey was first carried out to identify possible Pleurotus species and their possible host trees. Points of spotted Pleurotus  and host trees were recorded using Global Positioning System (GPS). Plots measuring 20m by 20m square were established on those  points which were replicated thrice and used to collect data on the regeneration status of the host trees determined based on seedlings,  saplings and adults’ trees. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of host tree species with a height of 1.3m and above were measured using  vernier caliper and a DBH tape while those below weren’t measured but considered as a seedling. Saplings were considered to have a  DBH of less than 10cm while those above as adults. Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) was calculated for host trees. H’ values for Etinde was 1.299 and 0.74 for Ngel-Nyaki. Host trees at Etinde exhibited fair natural regeneration status while that of Ngel-Nyaki was  good. Natural regeneration indices both in terms of DBH and height classes were higher in Ngel-Nyaki than Etinde. There’s the need to  embark on artificial regeneration of the host trees at Etinde which had a lower number of young trees than adults.