Germinative Qualities and Dynamics of Juvenile Growth of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. (Fabaceae) in a Semi-Controlled Environment in the North of Côte d'ivoire
Silué Pagadjovongo Adama *
Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Training and Research Unit Biological Sciences, Department of Plant Biology, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
Koffi Adjoua Bénédicte
Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Training and Research Unit Biological Sciences, Department of Plant Biology, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
Soro Dramane
Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Training and Research Unit Biological Sciences, Department of Plant Biology, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
Kouassi Konan Edouard
Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Training and Research Unit of Biosciences, Natural Environments and Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and Center of Excellence on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture (WASCAL/CEA- CBAB), Cote d’Ivoire.
Soro Dodiomon
Félix Houphouët-Boigny University, Training and Research Unit of Biosciences, Natural Environments and Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Pterocarpus erinaceus, also known as Senegal Palisander, is an eminently useful species for the populations of the Sahelian and Sudanian zones of Africa. The tree is highly prized for its wood, fodder and therapeutic virtues, which is why it is overexploited in its area of distribution.
Aims : The study aims to help improve the conditions for domesticating the species in the Sudan region.
Methodology : The experimental design adopted for this study consisted of randomised blocks with 4 replications. The study material is composed of biological material and technical material. Pterocarpus erinaceus seed was the primary factor, while abiotic factors (light intensity, sowing depth and soil type) served as secondary factors. The work was carried out in Kouto, in the north of Côte d'Ivoire, over a period of 26 months, under natural conditions. The average annual temperature is 26.7°C. In this area, rainfall is irregular with an average annual rainfall of 1300 mm/year. For this purpose, the fruits harvested and subjected to three pre-germination treatments (untreated whole fruits, shelled fruits and fruits soaked in water) were germinated under the effect of three abiotic factors (intensity of sunlight, sowing depth and soil type). The germination parameters and the growth kinetics of the plants (height and diameter of the crown) were evaluated.
Results : The results show that the hulled fruit seeds have the best latency times (4.4 ± 1.67 days) and germination rate (77 ± 11.27%) in shaded areas. The seeds must be sown to a maximum depth of 2 cm to obtain good germination performance. The height growth of the seedlings (21.28 ± 6.72 cm) was relatively higher than that of the strains (20.23 ± 7.59 cm) in shaded conditions.
Conclusion : Reproduction by strains is therefore an alternative to fruit conservation and a complementary technique to nursery production for the reforestation of the species. This study assessed the effect of some abiotic factors on the germination and growth of Pterocarpus erinaceus. The production of seedlings from this plant material would therefore provide a solution to the problem of conserving the fruits of this species in natural conditions.
Keywords: Domestication, germination performance, growth kinetics, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Côte d’Ivoire