ABSTRACT

 The study of dispersal and regeneration of some plant species were carried out in Umudike Nigeria. Fifteen (15) plant families comprising of 17 individual plants were monitored and their fruits and seed types were recorded. A reconnaissance survey was carried out to note the locations of the dispersing tree species. The transect walk and count method was used in monitoring tire dispersal period ofthe studied plant species and enumeration ofthe plant species was carried out also. From the location of each studied plant species, 8 sample plots of Im x Im were mapped out at 10m, 20m and 30m radius. All the plant species’ ftuits/seeds and seedlings observed within the sampled plots were recorded-. It was observed that some ofthe studied plant species dispersed their fruits/seeds during the months of October and December. The dispersal distance of the studied plant species was mostly recorded within 10m and 20m radius from the dispersing tree species, except Funtumia elastica, Hura crepitans and Mangifera indica which were recorded within 30m radius from the dispersing tree species. The peak ofthe dry, harmattan season during the months of December and February enhanced the explosive seed dispersal mechanism of Hnra crepitans and Pentaclethra macrophylla. It was observed that the percent frequency of number of fruits and seeds at various dispersal distances was high in Funtumia elastica, Hura crepitans and Mangifera indica (100%), while the percent relative abundance of number offruits and seeds at various dispersal distances was high in Milicia excelsa and Tectona grandis (27.48% and 15.43%) respectively. Also, Hura crepitans, Mangifera indica and Pentaclethra macrophylla had 66.67%, 66.67% and 66.00% frequency of number of seedlings, while Mangifera indica and Terminalia catappa had 14.63% relative abundance of number of seedlings. The effectiveness of fruit/seed dispersal was poorly recorded in drupe and sorosis fruits, as they did not release their seeds when dropped. For such species, it is recommended that attempt be made to assist the species disperse their fruits/seeds to appropriate microsites suitable for germination. Furthermore, to initiate seed germination in some plant species such as Mthcta excelsa and Garcinia kola, pre-germination treatment offruit/seed should be undertaken.