Abstract
The aim of this work was to study the efficiency of nutrient uptake, accumulation, distribution and use in Khaya ivorensis and Khaya senegalensis , in addition to aspects of growth variables and of dry matter partitioning as a function of mineral fertilisation. The experimental design was a 2 x 2 factorial scheme (with and without the addition of nutrient solution, and two species of African mahogany Khaya ivorensis and Khaya senegalensis ). Morphological, physiological and nutritional parameters were determined in the African mahogany plants 140 days after transplanting (DAT). The greatest zinc (Zn) content was detected in the shoots of both the Khaya ivorensis and Khaya senegalensis plants, accounting for more than 50% of the accumulated total of the plants with added nutrient solution. Maintaining the plants of Khaya senegalensis and Khaya ivorensis with the use of nutrient solution provides the best conditions for nutrient use, and allows plants with excellent morphological and nutritional characteristics to be ready for the field within five months after transplanting in a shaded nursery. The most efficient uptake, transport and use of macro- and micronutrients is found in the species Khaya senegalensis with the addition of nutrient solution.
Highlights
The genus Khaya belongs to the family Meliaceae
The plants of Khaya senegalensis with added nutrient solution had a diameter 52.63% greater than those of Khaya ivorensis with the addition of nutrient solution (Table 3), showing the importance of the need for specific studies between each species of the genus Khaya, that would make it possible to determine the greatest diameter for each species and result in superior growth and efficiency in the use of mineral fertiliser in plants of African mahogany
The lowest mean value for plant stem diameter was obtained in Khaya ivorensis without the addition of nutrient solution
Summary
The genus Khaya belongs to the family Meliaceae. Originating in Africa and Latin America, the family comprises 51 genera covering 1.400 species, 60% of which are part of the forest economy of various countries. The genus Khaya spp. is known by many authors as African mahogany (SMIDERLE et al, 2016). The wood is of fine-quality, with great economic potential on the domestic and international markets, and can be used in the furniture and naval industries, in civil construction, and for panels and laminates, among other uses. Khaya ivorensis has wood of a red to pale brown colour, a mean basic density of 0.47 g to 0.58 g.cm-3 and good workability (CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURE AND BIOSCIENCES INTERNATIONAL, 2013). Wood of the genus Khaya is highly valued on the international market: one cubic metre of native logs can fetch approximately USD 1000, according to import and export records for different wood products of the genus Khaya published by the International Tropical Timber Organization – International Tropical Timber Organization (2011)
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