Effect of Covering Mode and Substrate on the Rooting of Marcots of <i>Anacardium occidentale</i> L. in the Sahelian Zone (Maroua, Cameroon)

Anacardium occidentale is one of the most popular fruit trees in the dry tropics. Unfortunately, several genotypes of this species face the problem of productivity and low variability. The objective of this study is to contribute to the improvement of the agronomic potential of Anacardium occidentale by aerial layering in Diamaré. Specifically, the effect of the covering mode and the substrate on the rooting of marcots were evaluated. The work consisted in carrying out a 7 cm girdling on orthotropic branches having a diameter ranging from 2.54 to 5.73cm, and then sleeves were laid. Three substrates were used: sawdust previously decomposed, sawdust/black soil mixture (in the proportion One-half) and black soil. The mantles were covered with aluminum foil and polyethane plastic. The experimental design used was a split plot with three replications. The substrate constituted the main treatment, the covering mode, the sub- treatment. The experimental unit was 15 marcots. The rooting rate ranged from 98.88±2.24% in marcots covered with aluminium foil to 99.44±1.66% in those covered with plastic. As for the substrate, it varied from 98.33±2.58% for the substrate composed of black soil to 100% for the sawdust/black soil mixture. No significant difference was recorded between the modes of covering (P ≥ 0.05) and also for the substrates (P≥ 0.05). However Root length ranged significantly (p≤ 0.01) from 49.6±13.32mm in sawdust to 72.5±23.39mm in black soil. All treatments were satisfactorily. A. occidentale shows good aerial layering ability. These results are useful in the process of improvement the productivity of this species.