Abstract Detail

Ecological Section

Shonubi, Olusola [1], Okusanya, Olubukanla [2], Babalola, Sadat [1].

Seedling dynamics in cultivated population of Cassia fistula Linn. in Nigeria.

Seedling dynamics in cultivated population of C. fistula at Covenant University,Ota, South-West Nigeria were investigated by fencing the seedlings around ten mother trees. The seedlings were mapped out; their growth and survival over time were recorded. Random soil samples from under the mother trees were analysed for pH, moisture and humus contents. Results indicated that seedling regeneration occurred in loose humus soils with high moisture and humus contents (18.19 ±2.56% and 22.16 ± 2.79% respectively) and mean pH of 7.2 while there was no regeneration in the hard red lateritic soils with low moisture and humus contents(8.39 ± 1.08% and 12.26±1.05% respectively) and mean pH of 6.4. In the first few weeks of study, the number of seedlings in each fenced area increased with time due to an increase in rainfall. Afterwards, there was a reduced number of seedlings due to a break in rainfall, increased competition from neighboring weeds and also an increase in the crown cover of the mother plants resulting in about 60% reduction in light intensity reaching the seedlings. Thus, natural regeneration of C. fistula may not be enough to conserve the species but artificial regeneration by cultivation for ornamental and medicinal purposes may be the major way to conserve the species.

1 - University of Lagos, Department of Botany, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
2 - Covenant University , Department of Biological sciences, Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Ota, Ogun State, SW, Nigeria

Keywords:
Cassia fistula
Seedlings
Regeneration
Nigeria.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 21
Location: Salon 17/18/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 4:30 PM
Number: 21012
Abstract ID:94
Candidate for Awards:None