ABSTRACT

The Germination and Early Seedlings Growth Rates of Nauclea diderichii, Detarium macrocarpum, Khaya ivorensis and Piper guineense was carried out at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Department of Forestry And Environmental Management. Identification of trees bearing Nauclea diderichii, Detarium macrocarpum, Khaya ivorensis and Piper guineense fruits, fruits collection, processing, cultivation and determination of germination rates were carried out. 20 fruits were collected from each plant and were processed separately. The viability of the seeds was tested using the floatation method. Viable seeds were broadcasted in germination box and later transplanted to polybags after germination. Watering was done every morning and evening. The number of seeds that germinated was recorded every week. The germination rates and early seedling growth rates were determined and it showed that Nauclea diderichii and Detarium macrocarpum had the same germination rates of 75% while Piper guineense and Khaya ivorensis showed the lowest germination rates of 55%. The plants heights were taken on weekly intervals and properly documented. A meter rule graded with centimeters (cm) was used for height measurement from the root collar to the end of the terminal bud. The leaves on the plant were counted and recorded on weekly basis. Khaya ivorensis (29.91) had the highest mean in week six followed by Nauclea diderichii (25.54) and Detarium macrocarpum (25.85) which had approximately the same mean while Piper guineense (23.09) had the lowest mean number of leaves. For mean of leaves, Detarium macrocarpum had the highest mean (73.85) in the sixth week and Piper guineense had the lowest mean (23.62). However, mean was also calculated for Nauclea diderichii (36.31) and Khaya ivorensis (34.55) respectively. Piper guineense germinated earlier than other species.