Effects of substrate on germination and growth of Moringa oleifera Lam., Acacia mellifera (Vahl) Benth. and Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. seedlings

Abstract

Despite the importance of forests and trees, Senegal is facing to the loss of forests and the decline of tree diversity and density. This study focuses on Moringa oleifera Lam., Acacia mellifera (Vahl) Benth. and Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. which constitute a significant source of food and economic value for the populations of Casamance.In addition to a germination test, a follow-up of seedlings on different substrates was carried out in the nursery, in order to determine the effect of substrates on some growth parameters (number of leaves, height, diameter and biomass).The substrates used were three potting mixtures of forest soil of Faidherbia albida (FSFA), Elaeis guineensis (FSEG) and Anacardium occidentale (FSAO) and sand with the following proportion: 1/3 sand + 2/3 forest soil). Based on species, the germination rate was higher for A. mellifera (84%) followed by M.oleifera (55%) and Z. mauritiana (50%). The germination rate was more important in FSFA and FSEG than in FSAO. For growth parameters, there was a significant effect (P<0.05) of substrate type on height, diameter, number of leaves and root biomass. In term of growth parameters, the seedling performed better in FSFA and FSEG than in FSAO. The species effect was also significant (P<0.05) with higher root biomass and diameter found in M. oleifera and height and number of leaves in A. mellifera. The most important total biomass was found in FSFA followed by FSEG. Comparing the fraction of biomass according to the part of the seedling, the stem and branch had the higher fraction of biomass for A. mellifera (43%) and M. oleifera (38%) and the leaves for Z. mauritiana (46%).However, thetype of substrate can affect seedling development and growth parameters and the better results were recorded in FSFA and FSEG substrates.

Growth, Development and Suitability for Kent of Mango Rootstocks on Soil Substrates Collected under <i>Anacardium occidentale</i> L., <i>Khaya senegalensis</i> (Desv.) A. Juss and <i>Mangifera indica</i> L., in Casamance, Senegal

“…Similar results were also reported by Ndiaye et al [25], who noted that there is no significant difference on biomass at root and leaf level between treatments [25], in A. occidentale. Between the soils, the analysis shows that there is no difference, but in absolute value the M. indica L. soil gives a better grafting success rate (71.12%).…”

Effects of <i>two</i> Potting Soils on Growth of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> (Lam.) and <i>Leucaena leucocephala</i> (Lam.) in Kéréwane (Kolda/Sénégal)

“…This slightly higher than average moisture content of the plants could be explained by the fact that the leaves of Moringa oleifera were attacked by a fungal disease which caused significant defoliation of the young plants. [12] had pointed out that leaves and roots represent the parts of the plant that contain more water in Moringa oleifera. For the species L. leucocephala the highest relative water content is noted with substrate S3 (78.04%) followed by substrate S2 (71.96%) and finally substrate S1 (68.71%).…”

Caractérisation et dynamique des adventices du gombo (Abelmoschus esculentus L) et de la tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L) sous l’effet de différents fertilisants organiques

“…Le centre de la ferme a pour coordonnées 12°32'54,88'' de latitude nord et 16°16'40,89'' de longitude ouest (Figure 1). Cette ferme se trouve dans une zone caractérisée par une pluviométrie moyenne comprise entre 1300 et 1500 mm par an (Ndiaye et al, 2018).…”