Authors : I.M. Ojeifo , F.N. Emuh and B. Igbenije-Ogor
Abstract: The seasonality of Dacryodes edulis limits the availability of propagules. To forestall its extinction, the effects of different temperature regimes on 3 seed sizes of fruit were evaluated to assess the recoverability of seeds in terms of percentage germination and seedling growth. The percentage germination was 97 for fruit softened at 25 and 50 while 87�C for fruits softened at 0�C and 85% for fruits softened at 75�C and least were 35 for fruits softened at 100�C. Plant height was significantly tallest (p<0.05) at 25.8 cm for fruits softened at 50�C, plant girth was largest at 4.0 cm for fruits softened at 0, 25, 50 and 75�C and number of leaves and leaf area were 8.1 and 63 cm3 for fruits softened at 75�C. The seedlings large fruit performed better medium and small. The growth parameters of fruit softened at 100�C were most significantly depressed. It is therefore concluded, that different temperature regimes had effect on different percentage germination and on some growth parameters of the plant. However, it is recommended that fruits of Dacryodes edulis whose seeds are intended for planting should be softened at water temperature of between 50 to 75�C.
I.M. Ojeifo , F.N. Emuh and B. Igbenije-Ogor , 2007. Effect of Different Temperature Regimes on Seed Germination and Growth Parameters of Dacryodes Edulis. Agricultural Journal, 2: 16-19.