Évaluation De L’aptitude De Pseudospondias Microcarpa (A. Rich.) Engl. Var. Microcarpa (Anacardiaceae) Au Marcottage Aérien Et Perspectives De Domestication Dans Le Sud-Est Du Gabon

Abstract

Vegetative propagation of spontaneous multipurpose species is still limited in tropical rainforest areas of Central Africa. This study evaluates the aptitude of Pseudospondias microcarpa for aerial marcottage under the conditions of Franceville in south-eastern Gabon. The ultimate objective is its domestication and its integration into traditional agroforestry systems. A total of 102 orthotropic branches were tested on 4 different substrates: Chilean sphagnum moss, moss, male inflorescence of oil palm, and sawdust. The root induction, occurring after 30 days, extends beyond 120 days and does not depend on the substrate type. Rooting (78.43 ± 7.98%) and success rates (97.5 ± 3.42%) at 120 days were very promising. The nursery (55.56 ± 13.25%) and field (45.83 ± 19.93%) survival rates remain quite variable. However, these results indicate that Pseudospondias microcarpa var. microcarpa has a good ability to aerial marcottage. This observation constitutes a prerequisite for the further investigates the optimum conditions of weaning and cultivation. This is done in order to improve Pseudospondias microcarpa plant production through aerial marcottage. The other major result has to do with taking into account local substrates in popularizing this low-cost technique.