Effect of accession type and soaking period germination and seedling growth of African Elemi (Canarium schweinfurthii Engl.)

Abstract

African Elemi, a highly valued tree species, faces threats due to low germination rates and poor seedling growth. This study investigated the effects of accession and soaking period on dormancy breakage, germination, and seedling growth. The study was carried out at the plant nursery of Federal College of Forestry Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria (latitude 9°56`47.46``N, longitude 8°53`37.28``E and 1,250 m above sea level). The experiment was laid out in a Completely randomized design which consisted of six accessions of African Elemi and four soaking periods (6, 4, 2 days, and control), giving a total of twenty-four treatment combinations which was replicated three times. Parameters assessed included days to germination, germination percentage, plant height, and leaf number and the data obtained was subjected to two way analysis of variance and the means were separated using LSD_0.05. Results showed significant effects (P < 0.05) of accession and soaking period on germination and seedling growth. Vwang accession demonstrated earliest germination (35 days) and superior growth performance. Soaking for 6 days yielded optimal germination (highest establishment count, plant height and number of leaves). This study highlights the importance of accession selection and soaking period optimization for enhancing African Elemi germination and seedling growth.