Effect of Different Seed Sources and Planting Tube Sizes on Germination and Early Growth of Baobab Seedlings in Malawi

Abstract

Baobab is an important multipurpose fruit tree which provides food and economic values along the sub-Saharan African countries. Although there has been remarkable research on domestication of Adansonia digitata, understanding the variation on seed germination and early growth of baobab among different seed sources and planting tube sizes is essential for silvicultural practices at the nursery stages, massive domestication and conservation strategies. The study assessed the effect of different planting tube sizes on seed germination and early growth of baobab seedlings of 10 Malawi subpopulations. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant interaction (p<0.001) between subpopulations and planting tube sizes on germination percentage and early growth in the number of leaves, root collar diameter, plant height, tuber length and tuber weight. Both seed source and different planting tube sizes significantly affected the germination and early growth of baobab. In conclusion, germination and growth of baobab is influenced by subpopulations and planting tube sizes. The results signify that different genotypes responded differently to the microclimate of tube sizes on germination and growth of baobab.