Germination and Growth response of Tetrapleura tetraptera(Shum and Thonn) Taubto Different Growth media

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of growth media on the germination and early growth of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Shum andThonn) This was assessed at the Forestry Nursery Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.  Two hundred (200) viable seeds were immersed in 50% sulphuric acid at 15mins. The seeds after pretreated were sown on five different media namely: Top soil, Sawdust, Riversand, mixture of topsoil and riversand and mixture of riversand and sawdust. Completely Randomized Design was adopted for this experiment. Data were collected on percentage germination on daily basis for 4 weeks, growth parameters involving seedling height, number of leaves, girth and leaf length at 2 weeks interval for 8 weeks. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the data collected. Mean separation was carried out for significantly different parameter by using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) to determine the suitable growth media. The result showed that germination percentage was significant as 5% level of probability (p>0.05) and the highest germination percentage of 80% was recorded in Riversand+Sawdust. Growth parameters were also influenced by growth media.  The highest number of leaves was observed in topsoil(10.05), seedling height (7.88cm) in Riversand +sawdust, girth(0.57cm) in topsoil and leaf length (4.71cm) in sawdust.  In raising the seeds of Tetrapleura tetraptera , Riversand and sawdust should be used. To encourage domestication and conservation of Tetrapleura tetraptera, topsoil,  mixture of riversand and sawdust should be adopted since we are interested in growth of tree species and this will ensure the production of vigorous seedlings for its plantation establishment.