Abstract

Variations in the seedlings growth among the progenies of Prosopis africana Plus trees from four locations (Lafia, Makurdi, Ajaokuta and Oyo) in Nigeria were investigated. Seeds were sown in germination boxes under a high humidity propagator and at the two leaves stage after germination; the seedlings were transplanted into medium sized polythene pots (12 x 5 x 5 cm) containing top-soil. Assessment on the seedlings was carried out fortnightly for total height, collar diameter, number of leaves, leaf area and total biomass. Significant variation (P £0.05) in seed germination among the locations with Oyo having the highest germination percentage (47.1%) after two weeks of sowing. There were no significant variations among the provenances for all the growth parameters considered except for total height. Mortality of the progenies due to an identified fungi infection differs among the location. Oyo progenies were the least susceptible to the fungi attack and it could be that they are naturally resistant to the attack.

Key words: Plus tree, progenies, Prosopis africana.