Comparative Techniques of Raising Seedlings of Acacia seyal in the Arid Zone of Borno State, North - Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted on the techniques of raising seedlings of Acacia seyal in the arid zone of Borno state, north - eastern Nigeria. Techniques were carried out to investigate the effect of mixed potting system (MPS) and open potting system (OPS) on seed germination and seedlings growth. Seeds sample was obtained commercially at Gamboru market, Maiduguri, Nigeria. Experiments were carried in 2 different sites, 4 replications, 16 boiled seeds sown in each of the 2 PSs, rows containing 4 seeds (R1, R2, R3 and R4) each, 64 seeds were used. The total mean numbers of seeds germinated in MPS and OPS was 117 (58.5 ± 7.8); 53 and 64. Total mean number of seedlings were; 247 (61.7 ± 26.6) and 282.6 (70.6 ± 26.3). Total mean stem diameters were; 20.8 (5.2 ± 2.2) and 19.6 (4.9 ± 2.3). Total mean height were; 295 (73.6 ± 29.9) and 352 (88 ± 47) were recorded each weekly for 4 weeks. The number of seeds germinated in to seedlings and stem diameters were found to be higher in the OPS than the MPS. There was no significant difference between the 2 PSs in terms of germination, despite the difference in numbers of germinated seeds OPS had the highest, highest diameter in R2 and R4, and MPS had higher in diameter in R1 and R3. The mean number of leaves in the first day was 0, on day 13th the average number of leaves was approximately 1, it increased with days to 19th to the last day of the experiment that is (30th day). It has been noticed that, at 1st week, the number of leaves was higher in MPS, while the OPS was lower with difference of 6 leaves, and at the last 3 weeks OPS had higher numbers leaves than the MPS. To this, in raising seedlings in the arid zone environment, the MPS treatment technique is preferable from the findings obtained in this research work.