Tests of propagation of Pseudospondias microcarpa A. Rich. under the climatic conditions of Franceville in the southeastern of Gabon

the vegetative technique is more adequate for
propagating dioecious tree species and for producing
fruits of great value.
Conclusion
The domestication program of P. microcarpa A. Rich.
requires the knowledge of the floral biology of this
species and the identification of the best method of its
propagation, between the generative and the
vegetative technique.
This study shows that the treatment of the seeds of P.
microcarpa with sulfuric acid for four hours
deteriorates the seeds and reduces their germination
ability. Moreover, the evaluation of the increase in dry
matter of seedlings, during the first five weeks of
growth in the two substrates (soil only and soilcompost
mixture) does not present a significant
difference because of the similarities observed in their
respective composition. While the cuttings of the
species P. microcarpa present a potential for
recovery, they wither and desiccate thereafter due to a
deficiency of photosynthetic products and the lack of
a callus formation. The layering, however, seems to be
a better alternative for propagation for regenerating
P. microcarpa because it allows an easy occurrence of
adventitious roots on the marcotts. This technique
remains the method most advisable for propagating
the species P. microcarpa.
Following this study, which represents an initial step
for domesticating P. microcarpa, further
investigations need to be done notably by focusing
more on the possibilities of its propagation. This
dynamics could be articulated around the
development of a better technique for treating seeds
before sowing and the test of micropropagation of the
species for the procurement in great quantity and in a
short period of time very healthy plant materials.
Finally, it is important to continue the observations
after the weaning of the marcotts in order to evaluate
and quantify the parameters of growth following the
replanting of marcotts.
References
Barnes ME. 2001. Seed predation, germination and
seedling establishment of Acacia erioloba in northern
Botswana. Journal of Arid Environment 49(3), 541-
554.
Belcher B. 2005. Forest product markets, forests
and poverty reduction. International Forestry Review
7(2), 82-89.
Biloso A, Lejoly D. 2006. Etude de l’exploitation
et du marché des produits forestiers non ligneux à
Kinshasa. Tropicultura 24(3), 183-188.
Bourobou H. 1994. Biologie et domestication de
quelques arbres fruitiers sauvages de la forêt du
Gabon. Thèse doctorale. Université Montpellier II,
France, 126-139.
Bourobou H, Posso P. 1995. Un aperçu sur
l’importance des arbres fruitiers sauvages dans le
Nord-Est du Gabon. Nature et Faune 11(3), 42-48.
Breteler FJ. 1990. A new species and a new record
of Dichapetalum from Tanzania. Kew Bulletin 45 4),
721-723.
Cuisance P. 1984. Multiplier des végétaux en
pépinière, Collection d’enseignement horticole, Paris
/ France, p. 177.
Danthu P, Roussel J, Dia M, Sarr A. 1992.
Effect of pretreatement on the germination of Acacia
Senegal seeds. Seed Science and Technology 20, 111-
117.
Danthu P, Gaye A, Roussel J, Sarr A. 1996.
Long-term conservation of seed pretreated by sulfuric
acid. In: Innovations in tropical tree seed technology.
Humlebaek, Denmark: Danida Forest Seed Centre 37-
44.
Danthu P, Roussel J, Neffati M. 2003. La graine
et la germination d'Acacia raddiana. In : Grouzis M.
& Le Floc'h E., eds. Un arbre au désert Acacia
raddiana. Paris : IRD, 265-283.
Ndoutoumou et al. Page 9