• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2024

An evaluation was carried out on variability in morphology of fruits and seeds (number and weight) of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schumach. and Thonn.) Taub. from different populations across its distribution range in Nigeria. Bulk fruit samples were collected and examined for variations in morphological characters. Differences in morphological character of fruits and seeds among the populations were determined using analysis of variance at 5% level of probability. The relationships among morphological characters were determined using Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Significant variations (p<0.05) existed among T. tetraptera populations for all the evaluated characters: fruit length, fruit width, number of seeds per fruit and seed weight. A positive significant strong correlation (r=0.96) was found between seed weight and number of seeds per fruit, while no correlation existed between fruit length, width and number of seeds. Seed weight was positively correlated with minimum altitude (r=0.97) and maximum altitude (r=0.99) of seed populations. Number of seeds was also significantly correlated with maximum altitude (r=0.965). There was no significant correlation between geo-climatic variables and fruit dimensions (length and width). Observed variations in morphological traits within and across populations of T. tetraptera may be used as proxy to estimate genetic diversity and selection of superior trees for improved productivity.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.97-104
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• 2017

Investigation was carried out on response of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum. and Thonn.) to soil, water and light with the view of its domestication and introduction to different ecological regions. The experiment was arranged in a factorial experiment of $3{\times}3{\times}3$ in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. The factors were: soil textural class (Loamy sand, Sand and Sandy clay loam), watering regime (daily, twice a week and once a week) and light intensity (100%, 75% and 50%). Soil textural classes had significant influence on collar diameter, stem height, number of leaflets, root/shoot ratio and relative growth rate of Tetrapleura seedlings. Seedlings grown on loamy sand recorded the highest mean value- 2.28 mm for collar diameter, stem height- 12.9 cm, number of leaflets- 19.9, chlorophyll b- $0.34mg\;mL^{-1}$, leaf relative water content- 27.4% and relative growth rate- $0.037mg\;g^{-1}\;day^{-1}$. Watering regime had significant influence on the collar diameter of Tetrapleura. Seedlings watered daily recorded the highest mean value- 2.25 mm for collar diameter. Light intensity significantly influenced collar diameter and root/shoot ratio. Seedlings exposed to 100% light intensity recorded higher mean value for collar diameter- 2.28 mm and root/shoot ratio- 1.481 cm. The interaction between soil textural class and light intensity significantly affected collar diameter, stem height and number of leaflets. Higher mean value for collar diameter (2.47 mm) stem height (13.25 cm) and number of leaflets (21.16) were recorded while the interaction between soil textural class, light intensity and watering regime was significant for only number of leaflets. Tetrapleura exhibited some level of tolerance to different soil texture, drought and light intensity. Therefore, Tetrapleura has the potentials to be raised in different ecological zones characterized by difference in soil, rainfall and amount of sunshine.