Propagation And Regeneration Of Important Indigenous Tree Species In Kakamega Forest Kenya

ABSTRACT

The African cherry (Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkm.) regenerates poorly both naturally and

artificially because of its recalcitrant seed. There is therefore a great need to conserve this species

to ensure it does not become extinct. This study evaluated regeneration potential of the African

cherry, identified the appropriate stage of collecting seeds for propagation and suitable sowing

media that gives optimum germination and sought to identify other tree species with potential

commercial uses which could be used as alternative to P. africana and hence ease the

exploitation pressure that it currently faces. An experiment was set to evaluate the regeneration

potentials of P. africana Vis a Vis Olea capensis and Croton megalocarpus. It also identified the

best stage of seed collection and sowing media that can give good germination results. The

experimental design used was randomized complete block design (RCBD) in split plot

arrangement with the main plots as the stage of seed collection while the subplots as the different

media type replicated three times. Seeds were collected at two stages: when fruits are green and

mature and when ripe. These seeds were prepared, germinated under the different media types

and germination percent monitored. The media used included: {(soil: sand), (soil: sawdust),

(sand: sawdust) in ratio 1:1}, {(soil only), (sand only), (sawdust only)} and the normal nursery

media of (sand: soil) in the ratio 1:3 was used as a control. The study also identified the effects of

site on natural regeneration where by a sample of 10 trees per species was identified and

deliberate vegetative disturbance underneath was carried out, and regeneration monitored and

compared to undisturbed sites. The data was collected on mean germination percent and

statistical analyses conducted at 95% significant level. The results indicated that There was

significant difference in the timing of the collection of seeds for C. megalocarpus (F 2, 60,

f=24.47, P