Adaptation and Growth Performance of Multipurpose Trees Under Haro Sebu Condition

Abstract

This study were conducted at Haro Sabu Agricultural research center on station. The objective of this study were to evaluate  adaptability and growth performance of different multipurpose tree species  and to select or screen those best performed and adapted to the area. Seedlings were out planted on a plot of 12mx12m for each species, spacing between row and within row were based on recommendation of each species. In order to fit the given objectives data were collected on the following parameters:- Date of sowing, date of emergence, date of planting, growth parameters: diameter (RCD and DBH), height and survival rate were recorded and  measured. Diameter(RCD and DBH),height and survival rate were collected by an interval of 3 months.As a result, Height growth response were shown significance difference (p<0.000) for Grevillea robusta, Casuarina equisetifolia and M. stenopetala. Similarly, the growth response in root collar diameter data also reviled that there were highly significant differences (p<0.000) among the species. High mean value of root collar diameter was recorded for Grevillea robusta ,Casuarina equisetifolia while it was low in Cordia africana and Mellitia ferrugenia respectively. The basal area of the species shows high mean value on Grevillea robusta followed by Casuarina equisetifolia while had low mean value on Cordia africana.The survival result also showed,  Moringa stenopetala were higher (84.72%) followed by Grevillea robusta (81.81%), Casuarina equisetifolia (73.86%) ,and Mellitia ferrugenia (73.33%), while survival of  Cordia africana were the lowest(  40%). Thus, poor survival and growth response were observed on Cordia africana that might be explained as a response to the specific site condition of the study  area. Generally, these findings may help forest  managers ( stakeholder)to properly allocate species into the site that grow and adapt  well. Further testing of provenances of the best performing species is recommended to select the most adaptable ones for such areas for future forest plantation establishment at wider scale; on which success of forest plantations depend.