| dc.description.abstract | Despite the importance of forests and trees, Senegal is facing to the loss of forests and
the decline of tree diversity and density. This study focuses on Moringa oleifera Lam.,
Acacia mellifera (Vahl) Benth. and Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. which constitute a
significant source of food and economic value for the populations of Casamance. In
addition to a germination test, a follow-up of seedlings on different substrates was
carried out in the nursery, in order to determine the effect of substrates on some
growth parameters (number of leaves, height, diameter and biomass). The substrates
used were three potting mixtures of forest soil of Faidherbia albida (FSFA), Elaeis
guineensis (FSEG) and Anacardium occidentale (FSAO) and sand with the following
proportion: 1/3 sand + 2/3 forest soil). Based on species, the germination rate was
higher for A. mellifera (84%) followed by M. oleifera (55%) and Z. mauritiana (50%).
The germination rate was more important in FSFA and FSEG than in FSAO. For growth
parameters, there was a significant effect (P<0.05) of substrate type on height,
diameter, number of leaves and root biomass. In term of growth parameters, the
seedling performed better in FSFA and FSEG than in FSAO. The species effect was also
significant (P<0.05) with higher root biomass and diameter found in M. oleifera and
height and number of leaves in A. mellifera. The most important total biomass was
found in FSFA followed by FSEG. Comparing the fraction of biomass according to the
part of the seedling, the stem and branch had the higher fraction of biomass for A.
mellifera (43%) and M. oleifera (38%) and the leaves for Z. mauritiana (46%). However,
the type of substrate can affect seedling development and growth parameters and the
better results were recorded in FSFA and FSEG substrates. | en_US |
