This work investigated the effects of seed provenance and growth media on the growth performance of Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. Seeds were extracted from fresh fruits collected from Eruwa, Saki and New-Bussa and sown into six media in black polythene pots: top soil + sawdust (1:1); river sand + top soil (1:1); river sand + sawdust (1:1); top soil only; sawdust only and river sand. The experiment was 3 x 6 factorial laid in a Completely Randomized Design. Germination, seedling height, collar diameter, number of leaves and leaf area were evaluated. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at p<0.05). Seeds from New-Bussa sown on river sand + top soil (1:1) had the highest germination percentage (92%) while the seeds from Saki sown on top soil only had the least of 74.7%. River sand + top soil medium had the longest seedling growth with 5.41 cm; also rated second in collar diameter (4.07 mm) and leaf area index (47.95 cm2). Thus, top soil based medium, especially river sand + top soil is recommended for good growth performance of this species collected from any of the three provenances.Keywords: Pseudo–radicle, germination, seed source, seedling vigour, traits.

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This study aims to evaluate the effects of seed pre-treatments on the germination of Echinops giganteus. The pre-treatments used were partial manual removal of the pappus (T1), total removal of the pappus (T2), roasting for 2 min (T3), roasting for 4 min (T4), roasting for 6 min (T5), soaking in water for 6 h (T6), soaking for 12 h (T7), soaking for 24 h (T8) and the control (T0). The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with three replicate and 60 seeds per pre-treatment in March 2016 at IRAD Bambui. Germination was monitored daily for a period of one month and data on latent period, germination percentage and germination speed was collected. Early growth parameters such as shoot height (H), collar diameter (CD) and number of leaves (NL) were measured after every two weeks from the 11 th to the 17 th week while root length (RL) was measured at 17 th week. Germination commenced 5 days after sowing for pre-treatments T1, T2, T6, T7 and T8, respectively while seeds from the control pre-treatment (T0), T3, T4 and T5 germinated 8 days after sowing. Germination was delayed and scanty in pre-treatments T4 and T5. Cumulative germination percentage and germination rate were highest in pre-treatment T1 followed by T2 and T6 while T4 and T5 were the least. Height and collar diameter of seedlings was highest in pre-treatments T6, T7, T2 and T1 respectively. Influence of pre-treatments on number of leaves and root length of seedling was not significant. Germination of E. giganteus seeds can be done based on the information given in this study.

The study was conducted in the Lebialem Highlands with the aim to assess the population distribution, sustainability and conservation status of Ternstroemia cameroonensis in its natural habitat. A total of 25 circular plots of 10 m diameter were established around T. cameroonensis and all species as well as threat to their sustainability evaluated. Data were collected, entered into excel and various percentages calculated while diameter at breast height of T. cameroonensis and three companion species where analysed in STATGRAPHICS XVII.II and the mean separated. The results revealed that T. cameroonensis is found in six localities, mostly between 1500 m to 2500 m above sea level. The three companion species were Aguaria saliciflora, Cyathea camerooniana and Draceana mannii. The most exploitable individuals were at Agocham (64%) while the least at Fossimondi (25%). The highest percentage of dead stems was recorded in Magha (42.85). Among the exploited stems, 33.33% showed a completely dead crown, whereas 10% regular and healthy. The main part of the species exploited w the bark (100%) and in case the stem gets dry it is exploited as fuel wood. T. cameroonensis was shown to be more vulnerable in Montane forests (2.8) than gallery forest (2.6).

Marcotting is a method of vegetative propagation which still finds its relevance in the present day forest management and routine practice to produce viable seedlings for the regeneration of Ternstroemia cameroonensis. There is dearth of information regarding the propagation of T. cameroonensis by marcotting. Hence effects of phytohormone application (Indole-3-acetc acid, Indole-3-butyric acid) and alternative sources (coconut water) on the propagation of T. cameroonensis by marcotting were investigated in the Lebialem Highlands. Mortality rates, number of roots, root length as well as marcotts position in the crown was evaluated. The propagation trials were carried under natural environmental conditions. Marcotts had an overall survival percentage of 35.41%. Those established at the middle of the crown had the highest survival percentage (15.27%) followed by those at the lower (11.80 %). Also marcotts established on branches with larger diameter (4-6 cm) and shorter length (50 cm) had the highest survival percentage (20.13 and 19.44 respectively). Again marcotts treated with IBA and CW had the best performance compared to other pre-treatments. According to the result, T. cameroonensis can be amenable through marcotts.