POT SIZE AND GROWING MEDIA EFFECTS ON SEEDLING VIGOUR OF PTEROCARPUS ERINACEUS

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POT SIZE AND GROWING MEDIA EFFECTS ON SEEDLING VIGOUR OF PTEROCARPUS ERINACEUS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Populations of several woody plant species are under threat due to overexploitation causing habitat degradation by intensification of grazing, illegal forest logging, etc. Vallejo (2009); Lafortezza et al. (2013). This situation impacts seed banks and the regeneration capacity of native species in semi-arid ecosystems Bonet (2004).

The national and international trades of these species are still increasing, suggesting their urgent integration in national afforestation programs but also in plantation. This is the case of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir, a woody and multipurpose species. Rapid degradation was noticed on his populations due to poverty elevation. Suitable management and restoration activities are fundamental, and can help to mitigate erosion and desertification effects Piotto & Di Noi (2003).

P. erinaceus is one of the most threatened and endemic multipurpose woody species in Africa, Ouedraogo et al. (2006). The species is used by local people for animal feeding, traditional medicine, timber, Glèlè Kakaï et al. (2009). P. erinaceus is red listed as endangered plant species in Benin, Neuenschwander et al. (2011). The fruits, which take four months to mature, are disc-shaped, flat, and have winged margins. It is also central woodycorky bulge containing several seeds. Unlike most legumes, P. erinaceus fruit is indehiscent and is dispersed by wind. It also floats in water and can be waterdispersed, Orwa et al. (2009).

The lack of scientific knowledge on the suitable propagation methods is important regarding the increasing commercialization of their derivatives, added to an ineffective forest ecosystem management constitute the major cause of the decline of its population. In most of the protected areas where the species occurs in Benin, population are mostly old and the transition from small size class to higher is low. Despite the high commercial value of the timber from the species and its nutritional values for cattle, no plantations have yet been established with success. Moreover, the rate of seed germination in the wild has been found to be low and pre-sowing treatments are expected to improve the germination of the species, Tadros et al. (2011).

Since the species is found in the three biogeographical zones in Benin (with different ecological conditions), seed provenance could have an effect on germination capacity and seedlings growth. Germination and seedling growth data on this species is then important and require investigations.

This study aimed to assess differences in seed germination capacity and seedling growth between different provenances of P. erinaceus as well as the level of attack on seedlings in order to contribute to the ecological restoration of the species in the wild. The main hypothesis being tested was that there is a strong link between seed provenances, germination ability and seedling growth of P. erinaceus and pre- treatments can improve it germination rate.

Statement of the problem

There may have been previous researches in this subject. This work gives further explanations and analysis in pot size and growing media effects on seedling vigour of pterocarpus erinaceus

Objectives of the study
To understand the impact of students awareness and their choice of profession in business education
To understand the relationship between students’ orientation levels and their choice of profession in business education

Research questions
What is the impact of students awareness and their choice of profession in business education
What is the relationship between students’ orientation levels and their choice of profession in business education