Silvicultural Requirements For Conservation Of Plukenetia Conophora (Mull Arg) In Southwestern Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Plukenetia conophora, a liana with economic potentials is threatened by extinction. Ex-situ

conservation of the species which requires knowledge of its early growth and vegetative

propagation has the potentials to enhance its sustainability. However information on the

silvicultural requirements for the early growth of this species is scanty. Hence, in this study, seed

germination, seedling growth, macro and micropropagation of Plukenetia conophora in

Southwestern Nigeria were investigated.

Fruits of P. conophora from Oyo (Ibadan), Ogun (Ijebu-Ode), Osun (Igbajo) and Ondo (Akure)

states were collected and used for the study. Using completely randomised design, variations in

fruit size, growth of seedlings and biomass production of P. conophora were assessed. Seeds

stored for twelve months at room temperature (28oC), in a freezer (-5oC), refrigerator (7oC), dry

soil (29oC) and freshly extracted seeds (control) were tested for viability using 1% tetrazolium

salt. Effect of seed size: small (