Ecophysiological and genetic variation in seedling traits and in first-year field performance of eight <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia senegal</Emphasis> provenances in the Blue Nile,Sudan |
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Authors: | El Amin Yousif Raddad |
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Institution: | (1) Viikki Tropical Resources Institute (VITRI), University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 27, Latokartanonkaari 9, 00014 Helsinki, Finland |
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Abstract: | The genetic variation in seed weight, seed number per kg and seedling traits was compared among eight Acacia senegal provenances originating from the clay plain (east) and sand plains (west) of the gum belt in Sudan. The main objective of
this study was to identify germplasm sources of A. senegal that have a good seed germination capacity and seedling traits suitable for reforestation in the clay-soil part of the dryland
gum belt in the Blue Nile region in Sudan. A specific objective was to tentatively explore the adaptive strategy of A. senegal populations. Seventeen-week-old seedlings were planted in the field at spacing of 3 m × 3 m, giving 100 trees per plot and
replication; within a randomized complete block design with four replications. The experimental site was in the clay plain
region. Seed variables showed significant differences. Clay plain provenances showed considerable variation in seed weight
and seed number. They had the smallest seed weight but the highest seed number, while the sand (western) provenances had the
largest seed weight but lowest seed number. Seedling branch number, root length, root to shoot ratio and shoot dry weight
differed significantly among the provenances 12 weeks after germination. Clay provenances had the highest branch number and
shoot dry weight but the shortest roots and lowest root to shoot ratio. This was interpreted as showing better adaptation
to the site in these local provenances in comparison to those originating from the western sandy soil regions. High positive
correlations were observed between seedling variables, such as root nodule and branch numbers; this could be used for early
selection. The variation was greater between provenance groups than within them, suggesting that especially selection among
groups would yield genetic gain. |
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Keywords: | Agroforestry Adaptation Clay plain Gum belt Reforestation Relative growth rate |
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