Studies into vegetative propagation of the sheanut tree (Vitellaria Paradoxa, Gaepnt) using Cuttings
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Date
2004-11-20
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Abstract
The sheanut (Vitellaria paradoxa Gaernt) tree is an economic tree found in the interior savanna belt. The tree is believed to be recalcitrant responding unfavourably to some vegetative propagation techniques, although vegetative propagation by stem cuttings has proved promising. Vegetative propagation methods using different wood types, hormone application, sucrose concentration, basal wounding, media and propagation structures were investigated at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) Substation, Bole in the Northern Region. Three studies were carried out to develop a vegetative propagation technique as a basis for the multiplication of the existing stock and probably reduce the long gestation period of the tree.
Rooting was significant for coppiced cuttings treated with Seradix ‘3’ powder. Among the media used, significant performance was observed for rice husk with many roots on the cuttings as well as long roots. With sucrose concentrations, rooting of cuttings dipped in 15% sucrose solution did not differ much from 25% sucrose but both were higher than the control. Basal wounding by squeezing gave a significant performance. Anatomical and biochemical studies done at Forestry Research Institute of Ghana (FORIG), Fumesua and CRIG, Tab showed a remarkable effect on rooting. Rooting depended on high carbohydrate and phenol levels in the cuttings to promote growth and development. Coppiced cuttings had the highest carbohydrates and phenolic levels, which made it root better than the other wood types. The anatomical studies showed the presence of root primordia especially with coppiced cuttings. The studies also showed the presence of root pnmordia in most of the cuttings that rooted. Almost all the cuttings that rooted whether dipped in high sucrose levels (15% and 25%) or not, had a discontinuous sclerenchyma cell (phloem fibres) that permitted root penetration. The season also played an important role in rooting of cuttings. Cutting materials set in June to August, 2002 performed well whilst those set from November, 2002 to January, 2003 were terminated due to the harsh weather conditions.
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A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Master of Philosophy (Mphil) in Horticulture degree, 2004