Provenance and family variation in germination and early seedling growth in Sclerocarya birrea sub-species caffra

Abstract

Marula (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra) forms an integral part of the diet, tradition and culture of rural communities in Swaziland. In addition contributes to economic, social and environmental stability. This study was an analysis of the variation between and within provenances of Sclerocarya birrea sub-species caffra (Marula) in germination and survival of seedlings, and height and root collar diameter increment within the first five and eight months in a randomized complete design. In germination percentage there were significant differences between provenances (p=0.0001) and between individual families (irrespective of provenances) (p=0.004) across provenances, yet no significant differences existed between families within provenances. Survival of seedlings was 100% for all families except one which had 80%. Significant differences occurred in height (p=0.01 and p=0.006) and root collar diameter (p=0.03 and p=0.006) at five and eight months. It was concluded that there was a strong positive relationship between height and root collar diameter. Key words: Correlation, traits, increment, height, root collar diameter.