Initial growth of <i>Pterygota macrocarpa</i> Schumann (Sterculiaceae) depending on the light intensity in Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Objective: A study on the growth of Pterygota macrocarpa (Sterculiaceae), in the nursery depending on the intensity of the light, was conducted within the Forest Management Unit of Bossematié. The main objective is to seek additional information on the initial growth of Pterygota macrocarpa , an overexploited and endangered species, for use in reforestation programs of Ivorian forests.
Methodology and Results: The study is based on the determination of the dynamics of growth in height and diameter and leaf production of this species in environments with varied intensity of light. Three media gradual illumination intensity (low, medium, high), housing each nursery of Pterygota macrocarpa were installed and the various measurements were performed. The results showed that the average height of saplings in media of low light is statistically different from that obtained in highly sunny environment (F = 4.391, P = 0.0370). In contrast, the mean diameter and the mean of leafs production did not show a significant difference in these environments. Furthermore, the study showed that the initial growth of Pterygota macrocarpa is slow, like that of most tree species commonly exploited.

Keywords: Pterygota macrocarpa, vulnerable species, growing in the nursery, Bossematié, Côte d'Ivoire.