Research Article
Ojo MO, Akaun Alvin A
Abstract
The Chrysophylum albdum is a low land rainforest tree that belongs to the family Sapotaceae, and frequently found in many eco-zones of West Africa, Nigeria inclusive. The African star apple features prominently in agroforestry-system for fruit, food, cash income and other auxiliary uses including environmental purposes. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible influence of seed treatment and moisture content on the germination and early growth of C. albidum. The seeds were extracted and subjected to different treatments (T1=seed own flesh, T2=seeds soaked in water for 8 days, T3=seeds soaked in hot water 100°C for 1 hr, T4=seeds cracked and soaked in water overnight, T5=seeds soaked in water for 10 days, T6=seeds soaked in water for 12 days, T7=seeds cracked and sown). These treatments were replicated three times and were laid in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Variables assessed were moisture content, germination percentage, plant height, collar diameter and leaf production for 12 weeks. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance. The result of the ANOVA showed no significant differences at 5% level of probability for collar diameter while the leaf production and plant height shown significant differences among treatments at 5% level of probability. The moisture content show that M1 (moisture content for first week) has the highest germination of 26.6%, and the best performance was recorded in the seedlings raised with T2 in plant height, collar diameter and leaves production with a mean value 11.88 cm, 0.43 mm, 2.67 and germination with the value 66.7% respectively. It is recommended that seed of C. albidum should be soaked in water for 8 days before planting to enhance fast germination. And moisture content for the first week (18.8) is recommended for suitable seeds storage conditions for C. albidum.