SOURCE VARIATION IN MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF BUCHHOLZIA CORIACEA ENGLER SEEDLINGS

Abstract

Investigations were conducted on the effects of source variation on the morphological traits of Buchholzia coriacea Engler seedlings, a medicinal plant in southwestern Nigeria. The sources were Erifun, Olukosi, Ore Forest Reserve, Ogbere, Ago-Owu, Omo forest reserve and Eleiyele. Two hundred (200) seeds were randomly selected from the seven sources and sown in germination boxes. The seedlings from each source were arranged in the greenhouse in three replicates with each having thirty seedlings using the completely randomized design. Seedlings were assessed for shoot height, leaf production, collar diameter, leaf area and biomass production for six months. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant means separated using least significant difference. The tallest seedlings were from Olukosi seeds with mean value of 33cm. This was followed by seedlings from Eleiyele seeds, 31.7cm and Erifun, 29.1cm. Erifun seeds had the highest mean value (6.6mm) for collar diameter and (14.4 leaves) for leaf production. Seedlings from Olukosi seeds had 13.2 leaves and those from Ago-Owu seeds, 12.9 leaves. The highest mean leaf biomass, 2.2g was recorded in seedlings from both Olukosi and Ogbere seeds. Mean stem biomass of seedlings from Ogbere source, 3.3g was the highest while the highest mean value for root dry weight, 40.8g was recorded for those from Ore forest reserve. Seedlings from Olukosi and Ogbere sources performed best out of the seven sources. Erifun was the poorest followed by Eleiyele. Seeds from Olukosi or Ogbere could be recommended for the establishment of plantations of B. coriacea.