Provenance variation in seedling growth of Tetrapleura tetraptera (SCHUM. AND THONN.) TAUB.

Abstract

Conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources depend on understanding the pattern of genetic variations.  Four populations of Tetrapleura tetraptera (SCHUM.  AND THONN.) TAUB., a multipurpose tree, were evaluated in a completely randomized design for variation in seedling growth traits; height, collar diameter, number of leaves, biomass, relative growth rate (RGR), actual growth rate (AGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) at nursery stage to identify suitable seed source for improved productivity. Analysis of variance showed significant differences in all growth traits except biomass. Genotypic variance and genotypic coefficient of variance for seedlings’ height and the number of leaves were greater than their corresponding environment variance and environmental coefficient of variation. Genotypic variance and broad sense heritability for height and leaves were higher than other evaluated traits. Seedling’s height showed a significant positive correlation with altitude and a negative correlation with the relative humidity of seed origin. A significant strong correlation was found between number of leaves and longitude of seed origin.  Among the four provenances, the final RGR ranged from 0.71 g/month to 0.86g/month while the final AGR ranged from 2.68 g/month to 3.48 g/month. The observed variation among provenances of Tetrapleura tetraptera implies there is potential for its improvement and conservation of genetic resources.