Clonal Propagation ofKhaya senegalensis: The Effects of Stem Length, Leaf Area, Auxins, Smoke Solution, and Stockplant Age

Catherine Ky-Dembele,Jules Bayala,Per Christer Odén,Patrice Savadogo,Issaka Joseph Boussim,Mulualem Tigabu

doi:10.1155/2011/281269

Abstract

Khaya senegalensisis a multipurpose African timber species. The development of clonal propagation could improve plantation establishment, which is currently impeded by mahogany shoot borer. To examine its potential for clonal propagation, the effects of cutting length, leaf area, stockplant maturation, auxin, and smoke solution treatments were investigated. Leafy cuttings rooted well (up to 80%) compared to leafless cuttings (0%). Cuttings taken from seedlings rooted well (at least 95%), but cuttings obtained from older trees rooted poorly (5% maximum). The rooting ability of cuttings collected from older trees was improved (16% maximum) by pollarding. Auxin application enhanced root length and the number of roots while smoke solution did not improve cuttings' rooting ability. These results indicate that juvenileK. senegalensisis amenable to clonal propagation, but further work is required to improve the rooting of cuttings from mature trees.

Highlights

IntroductionIn Burkina Faso, the northern limit of the natural distribution of K. senegalensis is 13◦55 N within the South-Sahelian zone
Auxin application enhanced root length and the number of roots while smoke solution did not improve cuttings’ rooting ability. These results indicate that juvenile K. senegalensis is amenable to clonal propagation, but further work is required to improve the rooting of cuttings from mature trees
Our findings are consistent with studies of K. ivorensis [6, 16], K. anthotheca [6], Acacia senegal [23], Prunus africana [24], Triplochiton scleroxylon [20], and Allanblackia floribunda [25]

Summary

Introduction

In Burkina Faso, the northern limit of the natural distribution of K. senegalensis is 13◦55 N within the South-Sahelian zone. It occurs in various habitat types, such as on river banks, and in fields, fallows, and protected woodlands, and its population density increases from North to South, reaching up to 17 trees per hectare [2]. K. senegalensis is a multipurpose tree with a variety of economic and environmental values [1] It is one of the major timber species in West Africa owing to its hard and fungus- and termite-resistant red wood; it is highly valued for carpentry, joinery, furniture, ship building, and as a decorative veneer.

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