Characterization of Germination and Growth of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. From Togo

Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. is a woody species with high economic value, endemic to West Africa. Anthropogenic pressures, seminal production reduction, the rapid loss of seeds’ germinal capacity, and especially the seedlings’ difficulty to develop, endanger the regeneration and the survival rate of stands. This study aims to deepen scientific knowledge on the Pterocarpus erinaceus propagation through germination characterization, seeds’ germinal capacity preservation, and its growth in Togo. Experimentations were carried out with seeds harvested in three phytogeographical zones in Togo. Results show that the germination percentages obtained are the same for the three phytogeographical zones i.e. 85%. Furthermore, the mean germination times (MTG) is short and equivalent to 5 days. Besides, storing the seeds in the refrigerator at 7°C or in a laboratory room at 25°C, allowed them to maintain their germinal capacity i.e. about 50% after 18 months. Finally, the seedlings growth is slow and characterized by rhythmicity, specifically observed by a slowdown between the 5th and 11th weeks in foliar development for all phytogeographical zones. After 16 weeks of development, an average seedlings have a size of 9.6 cm and carry 10 nodes and 4 leaves.