%0 Journal Article
%T Effect of Seed Size of Afzelia quanzensis on Germination and Seedling Growth
%A Kupatsa Mtambalika
%A Chimuleke Munthali
%A Dominic Gondwe
%A Edward Missanjo
%J International Journal of Forestry Research
%D 2014
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2014/384565
%X Afzelia quanzensis Welw is a valuable timber producing tree species in Africa. A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of seed size on seed germination and seedlings quality of Afzelia quanzensis. Seed was categorized into three groups in regard to their length, small (<1.5£¿cm), medium (¡Ý 1.5 ¡Ü 2.5£¿cm), and large (>2.5£¿cm). The treatments were completely randomized into four replications. Germination percentage was not significantly different between the treatments, although large seeds had the highest germination percentage of 94.9%. There were significant differences in seedling height and root collar diameter among the different seed sizes, with large seeds having the highest seedlings height and largest root collar diameter. This was attributed to differences in the food reserves. Survival of transplants from shoot dieback was significantly different such that seedlings from large seed attained the highest survival of 92%. It is therefore recommended that, for production of high quality transplants in the nursery, large seeds should be used. 1. Introduction Africa has a wide range of valuable Miombo tree species. Afzelia quanzensis Welw is one of the tree species that produce quality valuable timber. Afzelia quanzensis Welw (pod mahogany) locally known as Msambamfumu in Malawi is typically a fast growing indigenous tree species that reaches 24¨C35£¿m tall and 1¨C1.6£¿m in diameter at breast height [1]. The predominant natural vegetation over most range of Afzelia quanzensis is Miombo woodland [2]. The tree has a wide distribution range in the west, east, and central Africa, specifically in countries such as Somalia, Angola, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia, and Malawi [3]. Afzelia quanzensis is a multipurpose tree species and basically the use depends on its strength, durability, stability, and good appearance [4]. Besides these properties, Afzelia quanzensis wood is termite resistant and hence is best used for making bridges, plywoods, boats, flooring, doors, and furniture [1, 2]. Other parts of this tree, such as root, leaves, and bark, are used as traditional medicine to treat different ailments, for instance, chest pain. According to [5] Afzelia quanzensis is also nitrogen fixing leguminous species that is known to improve the soil fertility in many African countries and hence used in agroforestry practices. Orwa et al. [6] also describe Afzelia quanzensis as one of the best indigenous species for ornamental purposes because of its pleasing appearance such that it is planted in gardens and parks. The
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijfr/2014/384565/