By: Jeminiwa M. S.; Jeminiwa O. R.; Olaoti-laaro S. O.; Woghiren A. I.; Aina-Oduntan O. A.; Agbeje A. M.;
Abstract:
This study investigated the effects of seed pretreatments and growth‐media on early growth performance of
Uvariopsis tripetala seedlings with a view to investigating the silvicultural requirements for seedling production
and conservation of this species. The fruits of Uvariopsis tripetala were procured from Akinlaja village, Odigbo
Local Government Area, Ondo State. The extracted seeds were pretreated using three pre‐germination treatment
methods (Cold stratification, Mechanical scarification and Conc. H2SO4). Seeds pretreated with cold stratification
had the highest germination percentage (92%), mechanical scarification (79%), while the lowest (55%) from
conc. H2SO4 pretreatment. Seedlings of the species from the germination experiment were transplanted into three
growth‐media (topsoil, sawdust and biochar) and replicated thrice. The experiment was arranged in
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Seedlings from cold stratification planted on topsoil had the highest
mean height growth value (5.12 ± 0.14cm). This was followed by the seedlings from mechanical scarification
planted on biochar with growth height of (5.03±0.14cm). While the lowest mean height value was recorded for
seedlings from H2SO4 pretreated seeds planted on topsoil (3.95±0.14cm). Seedlings from mechanical scarification
seeds planted on sawdust had the highest mean collar diameter (1.95±0.34mm). This was followed by seedlings
from H2SO4 pretreated seeds and planted on sawdust (1.88±0.34mm). While the lowest value (0.75±0.34mm)
was obtained from seedling from H2S04 pretreated seeds planted on topsoil. Seedlings from cold stratification
pretreated seeds planted on biochar and topsoil had the highest mean number of leaves (3.99±0.23 and 3.67±
0.23) respectively. The lowest mean value (3.34±0.23) was obtained from H2SO4 seedlings planted on biochar
medium. The results showed that cold stratification pretreatment and sawdust medium were most suitable for
mass production of U. tripetala seedlings in the nursery. Further studies were recommended for more
silvicultural requirements and floral biology of the species for sustainable production and conservation.
Keywords: Pretreatment; Growth-media; seedling-growth; Conservation; Uvariopsis tripetala
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