Effects of seed provenance and per-treaments on early growth of Tetracarpidium conophorum (African Walnuts) (Mull. Arg) Hutch. and Dalz)

Abstract

The research was aimed to identify optimal seed sources and pretreatment techniques to enhance propagation success of Tetracarpidium conorphorum. Fruits were collected from multiple provenances, seeds extracted and subjected to different pretreatment procedures (sowing in husk-T1, removal of husk-T2, careful crackingT3, complete removal of husk and shell-T4), before sowing in polythene bags at the nursery. Results demonstrated that seed provenance and pre-treatments significantly affected germination and seedling vigor. Seeds from the Western highlands exhibited superior performance latent period (7.91 days), germination percentage (57.53%) and early growth performance compared to those from other agroecolgical zones. In addition, seeds with husk removed had better latent period (9.18 days) followed by those that were carefully cracked (10.70 days) while those with husk and shell completely removed were the least (20.14%).The findings underscore the importance of selecting seed sources compatible with target and  employing effective pretreatments to improve propagation outcomes. Seeds from the western highlands which were either carefully cracked or with husk removed had the best germination and early growth performance. This study can significantly enhance the propagation efficiency of T. conophorum, contributing to sustainable agroforestry and conservation initiatives.