ASSESSMENT OF NODULATION POTENTIAL IN THE EARLY GROWTH OF SOME INDIGENOUS LEGUMINOUS TREE SPECIES

ABSTRACT

The study was done to determine the nodulation potential in the early growth phase of some indigenous leguminous tree species; Tamarindus indica, Parkia biglobosa, Afzelia africana and Pentaclethra macrophylla via the nodulation assessment code. It was conducted in the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management Nursery of the University of Benin, Benin City. The layout of experimental plot was complete randomised design (CRD). The plots were arranged into 4 treatments . The treatments were the species. Plant growth and vigour, number of nodules, nodule colour and abundance, nodule position, length of roots and nitrogen fixation efficiency were the variables measured on forthnightly basis. The average root length for all species were Tamarindus indica (37.63) with the highest root length, Pentaclethra macrophylla (31.84), Afzelia africana (29.23)  and  Parkia biglobosa (22.09) having the lowest root length. Data collected were analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results obtained showed that there was no nodulation in any of the investigated species at the end of the study period of 31 weeks . It is recommended that further studies should be done to ascertain the nodulation potential of these species over a long period.