Seedling performance of different provenances of selected indigenous tree species in Debub Ari District, Southern Ethiopia

Better understanding of variations in seed traits and seedling vigor in various populations of a given species is vital for appropriate nursery and tree planting technology. The main objective of this study was to identify better provenance for indigenous trees by testing seed germination and seedling traits. Seeds of six indigenous trees (Vachellia abyssinica, Vachellia seyal, Faidherbia albida, Balanites aegyptiaca and Terminalia laxiflora Engl.) were collected from different geographic areas. One hundred (100) polyethylene pots (20 cm height and 12 cm diameter) were filled with 2:1:1 ratio of local, forest soil and sand composition for seedlings. A Complete Randomized Design (CRD), 5 x 4 polyethylene pots in four replications of 20 polyethylene pots for each provenance was designed in the nursery and the provenances for selected species. Different early growth performance parameters were measured for each tested provenance. All collected data were analyzed by using ANOVA while the least significance difference was computed for mean separation. The seedling performance of Vachellia abyssinica and Vachellia seyal were significantly varied among the provenances. Vachellia abyssinica from Butajira provenance had the highest mean values across all the studied parameters. Except height, Kako provenance had the highest mean values across all the early performance parameters of Vachellia seyal. Seedling performances of Faidherbia albida in the nursery was significantly varied among the provenances except for root collar diameter. Provenance from Wondo Genet had the highest mean values of germination percent and comparable leaf numbers with provenance from Hawassa. It can be concluded that the observed patterns of variation will have the implication for genetic resources conservations and tree improvement. Accordingly, Butajira and Kako provenances could be taken as a good source of seed collection for Vachellia abyssinica and Vachellia seyal, respectively. Wondo Genet and Hawassa provenances could also ensure the provision of planting materials of Faidherbia albida for farmers. Further progeny tests in the field should be undertaken for a longer period to obtain definitive recommendations for early selection