Abstract

To provide a basis for sustainable management of a multipurpose tropical plant –Pentaclethra macrophylla, a study was carried out to determine the optimum method(s) of seed germination and seedling growth. Of all the methods evaluated in the seed germination studies the optimum method was soaking seeds in tap water for 10 days with daily replacement of water. This yielded mean value of 86.30% germination at 4 weeks while the control had 10.00% germination for the same period. A comparative method was soaking seeds in coconut milk which yielded mean value of 60% seed germination at 42 days after sowing in light condition and 30% germination in dark. The control had 20% germination in light and 10% germination in dark. The stem cuttings treated with 2% IBA rooted and mean value of 50% rooting was observed while the untreated cuttings had 35% rooting.  The optimum growth medium was 1 part sand to 5 parts topsoil rich in organic manure. At 12 weeks the mean value of seedlings growth in 1 part sand to 5 parts topsoil had a total height of 36.91 cm, number of leaves 25.05, root length 10.01 cm and shoot length 26.0 cm. There was no seedling abnormality. The study concluded that P. mycrophylla can be regenerated thus providing basis for its sustainable management.

Key words: Pentaclethra mycrophylla, seed germination, seedling growth, growth media, sustainable forest management.