Abstract
Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile and Ricinodendron heudelotii (Bail.) Pierre are socioeconomically important species in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was conducted to assess the seed germinability and seedling growth of those species based on several treatments and to define proper conservation and domestication strategies in Benin. The seeds were randomly collected in their natural habitats. The experiment was conducted using a split-split plot design and the data was analyzed using the generalized linear mixed and survival models. The heaviest seeds (B. aegyptiaca seed mass ≥3 g and R. heudelotii ≥ 1.50 g) provided the highest germination rates (73.60 ± 5.19% and 62.50 ± 5.71%, respectively) when seeds were scarified with a hammer. For B. aegyptiaca seedlings, the seeds from the phytodistrict of North Borgou scarified with a hammer and the heaviest seeds showed the highest total height (36.43 ± 1.03 cm), basal diameter (2.84 ± 0.03 mm), the greatest number of leaves (32), and ramifications. The heaviest seeds of R. heudelotii had also the highest value for total height at the day-28 after sowing (26.73 ± 13.56 cm) until the day-105 (151.97 ± 6.37 cm). The heaviest seeds of R. heudelotii from the phytodistrict of Pobe showed the highest basal diameter (12.53 ± 1.47 mm) and the greatest number of leaves (14), with almost no ramification during the trial period. These findings constitute a step forward in upscaling the reproduction of these species for better contribution to economies while serving in restoration plans.
Highlights
Climate change effects have been identified as the most drastic component affecting biodiversity as well as the ecosystem (Hooper et al, 2005)
Three phytodistricts were prospected for each species: Atacora chain, Mekrou-Pendjari, and North Borgou phytodistricts in the semi-arid zone for B. aegyptiaca; South Borgou phytodistrict in the sub-humid zone, and Plateau and Pobe phytodistricts in the humid zone for R. heudelotii (Figure 1)
A significant variation was observed for the seed mass for both species (Pr < 2.2e-16) among the sample phytodistricts
Summary
Climate change effects have been identified as the most drastic component affecting biodiversity as well as the ecosystem (Hooper et al, 2005). For the last two decades, shortage in the rainfall has been noticed with a high impact on the ecosystem and has contributed to the extension of several species. Biodiversity needs to be promoted to improve regulation services at the landscape level (soil fertility, water infiltration, etc.) and because, the goods and services provided by the ecosystems are important for local people's livelihoods, their food security, and adaptation to climate changes. & Diels) not widespread today, are still encountered, but the new trend is towards tree crop species like Anacardium occidentale L., Cocos nucifera L., Elaeis guineensis, Jacq., Mangifera indica L.). Chev.), Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill., Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex
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