Germination and Seedling Growth of African Star Apple(Chrysophyllum albidumG. Don Syn. Gambeyaalbida) in Soils of Ekiti State

Resumen

Most indigenous forest tree species are of utmost importance yet they are not largely domesticated for many ecological reasons. Therefore, this study examined the germination and early seedling growth of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) in the soils collected from Ikere and Ado-Ekiti (rain forest), Ayede-Isan and Igede (Savanna) in Ekiti State.C. albidum seeds were extracted from matured fruits, subjected to four treatments control (untreated seeds), hot water scarification and cold water beforesowing. Laboratory analysis of some soil properties was done to determine differences among the locations. Seedling growth variables were monitored every fortnight for twelve weeks. Coldwater produced germination that ranged between 11.1-100% followed by scarification with the germination of 33.3-88.9% among the locations. Likewise, the control produced germination of between 11.1-55.6% whereas seeds pretreated with hot water did not germinate. Analysis of variance did not reveal any significant difference for seedling height but the highest mean height value of 8.95cm, followed by 8.77cm and the least of 5.25cm were obtained in Igede-Isan, Ikere and Ado respectively in the locations throughout the assessment period. Also, the highest mean collar diameter value (0.35cm) was obtained in Igede-Isan and the least (0.30cm) in Ado Ekiti. Therefore, scarification and cold water can be used to overcome dormancy in C. albidum seeds. Also, C. albidum can be successfully raised in the two ecological zones of Ekiti State since there were no marked differences among the locations studied.