Effect of seed locations on the germination and early growth of <i>Treculia africana</i> var. Decne seedlings (African bread fruits)

Abstract

Location of seeds source may be far from intended planting sites while some species do not produce seed every year, hence there is a need for appropriate seeds source. A nursery experiment to evaluate the effect of seed location in Cross River was carried out. Seeds of Treculia africana were collected from Yala, Obubra and Akamkpa and examined for variation in germination performance and early growth seedlings. A total of 540 seeds (3 replications of 180 seeds) per location were sown. The growth parameters such as stem height, number of leaves, number of branches and Leaf area were assessed. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. Seed sourced from Akamkpa gave the highest germination percentage (86%) followed by seed from Obubra (77%), while the lowest germination percentage (75%) was recorded for seeds from Yala LGA. Commencement of germination was earliest (10 days after sowing) in Akamkpa seed location, which was closely followed by seed form Obubra and Yala that commenced germination 13 days after sowing. Akamkpa recorded the highest number of leaves (262.9) followed by Yala (228.5). The lowest number of leaves was recorded from Obubra (224.9). Seedlings from Akamkpa seed location produced the tallest plant height (98.7cm) while seedling from Yala seed location had the shorted plant height (77.5cm). Obubra had the highest number of branches (32) while the lowest number of branches was observed from Yala (15). The highest mean Leaf Area of (241cm²) was observed from Akamkpa seeds location. The least Leaf Area (163.5cm²) was obtained from seed sourced from Yala. Seeds location from Akamkpa LGA tends to perform better in terms of germination and with batter growth attributes. The study showed that the choice of an appropriate seed location was an important process in plantation establishment and development of the plant species.

Keywords: Seed location, Germination, Early Growth, Seedlings, Treculia africana