Performance of Dacryodes edulis mycorrhized layers under different cropping conditions in Makenene, Cameroon

Abstract

Dacryodes edulis, with its potential dietary and medicinal uses, is an aging member of the agroforestry system and is classified among the priority species for domestication in Central Africa. Reliable techniques for producing quality planting materials other than seeds are urgently needed. The aims of this study were to produce D. edulis layers and integrate them into the cropping system. To promote rooting and the survival rates of layers, 4 treatments were used. The layers produced were inoculated with mycorrhiza and introduced into cropping systems for the evaluation of morphobiochemical parameters. The results show that 67.91% of D. edulis trees are planted in cocoa plantations and 32.09% in other cropping systems in Makenene. In addition, 12% of the plants are produced from technical improvement, and 88% from seeds. The use of honey significantly increased layer survival and rooting rates after 2 months. The mycorrhized layers grow better in fallow fields than among food crops or in cocoa-based agroforests. High levels of chlorophylls a and b, total proteins, total amino acids, and peroxidase activity supported higher growth rates of mycorrhized layers. The results show the potential of producing plant materials through layering.