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Addressing constraints in propagation of Allanblackia spp. through seed sectioning and air layering

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Allanblackia species are indigenous to West East and Central African regions with the potential of providing an alternative source of income for rural populations through sale of seed oil. The species therefore needs to be domesticated to support sustainable production of Allanblackia seed oil. Propagation of Allanblackia parviflora through seed germination and air layering was therefore undertaken. Stratified and non-stratified seeds or seed sections were germinated in sand plain and black polythene bags. Air layering was undertaken on pollarded shoots growing on 1.5 4 and 6m stumps using coir dust as the medium. At 90 days germination of un-stratified seeds showed significant differences for the following treatments; proximal sections (0 –54%; p < 0.0001) longitudinal sections (0 –44% p < 0.0001) and whole seed (13 -31% p < 0.0001). Germination of stratified seeds and seed sections also showed significant ifferences; proximal sections (37 -53% p < 0.0001) whole seed (21 -32% p < 0.0001). Distal seed sections did not germinate but only produced seed roots. For air layering rooting success (P < 0.05) declined with increasing stump height from 72% to 21.4% for 1.5m and 6m stumps respectively. The results are discussed in relation to mass propagation of Allanblackiaspp. to support large scale cultivation.

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