Abstract
Afzelia quanzensisWelw is a valuable timber producing tree species in Africa. A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of seed size on seed germination and seedlings quality ofAfzelia quanzensis. Seed was categorized into three groups in regard to their length, small (<1.5 cm), medium (≥ 1.5 ≤ 2.5 cm), and large (>2.5 cm). The treatments were completely randomized into four replications. Germination percentage was not significantly(P>0.05)different between the treatments, although large seeds had the highest germination percentage of 94.9%. There were significant(P<0.05)differences in seedling height and root collar diameter among the different seed sizes, with large seeds having the highest seedlings height and largest root collar diameter. This was attributed to differences in the food reserves. Survival of transplants from shoot dieback was significantly(P<0.05)different such that seedlings from large seed attained the highest survival of 92%. It is therefore recommended that, for production of high quality transplants in the nursery, large seeds should be used.
Highlights
Africa has a wide range of valuable Miombo tree species
Afzelia quanzensis is a multipurpose tree species and basically the use depends on its strength, durability, stability, and good appearance [4]
The results indicate that there were significant (P < 0.05) differences in seedling height and root collar diameter among the different seed sizes, with large seeds having the tallest seedlings height and largest root collar diameter than the other two treatments
Summary
Africa has a wide range of valuable Miombo tree species. Afzelia quanzensis Welw is one of the tree species that produce quality valuable timber. Afzelia quanzensis is a multipurpose tree species and basically the use depends on its strength, durability, stability, and good appearance [4]. Besides these properties, Afzelia quanzensis wood is termite resistant and is best used for making bridges, plywoods, boats, flooring, doors, and furniture [1, 2]. Afzelia quanzensis wood is termite resistant and is best used for making bridges, plywoods, boats, flooring, doors, and furniture [1, 2] Other parts of this tree, such as root, leaves, and bark, are used as traditional medicine to treat different ailments, for instance, chest pain. The species is presently promoted for reforestation programmes to enhance its contribution to health and livelihood of local communities [7]
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