African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry Vol. 1 (3), pp. 077-083, November, 2013. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Effects of three pre-treatment techniques on dormancy and germination of seeds of Afzelia africana (Sm. Ex pers)

Amusa, T. O.

Federal College of Wildlife Management, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, P. M. B. 268, New Bussa, Niger State, Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 08051750289.

Accepted 10 June, 2013

Abstract

The study assessed the effects of three pre-treatment techniques on dormancy and germination of seeds of Afzelia africana (Sm. ex Pers), an endangered tree species in Savanna ecozone of Nigeria. The three pre-treatment techniques are: soaking in cold water for 1, 12 and 24 h, soaking in hot water (100^◦C) for 1, 12 and 24 h and soaking in 10, 50 and 98% concentrated sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) for 5, 10 and 30 min. Experiments were performed based on a completely randomized design with four replicate. The results show that cold water pre-treatment of A. africana seeds only gave a fair germination percentage (33.33 to 53.33%) and reduced dormancy period. On the other hand, the effect of hot water pre-treatment on the seeds gave adverse result (26.67 to 36.67%). Although A. africana seeds under control treatment gave an impressive germination, which did not differ significantly from the results of other pre-treatment techniques (F-cal = 2.6777; P-level = 0.1180; P < 0.05), acid pre-treatments yield a more uniform and regular germination. Thus, while the seeds of A, africana could be germinated without pre-treatment, to attain higher percentage germination and reduced dormancy period, the seeds should be pre-treated with sulphuric acid.

Key words: Dormancy, pre-treatment techniques, germination percentage, Afzelia africana, ex situ conservation.

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry Vol. 1 (3), pp. 045-048, October, 2013. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Will afforestation in temperate zones warm the Earth?

David B. South¹*, Xuhui Lee² and Michael G. Messina³

¹School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Alabama 36830 USA.

²School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511 USA.

³School of Forest Resources, Penn State University, 117 Forest Resources Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 USA.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +1 334-844-1022. Fax: +1 334-844-1084.

Accepted 16 April, 2011

Abstract

For decades, forest researchers have known that planting trees on cropland or pastures (that is, afforestation) can lower the surface albedo and that landscapes with low albedo absorb more solar radiation than more reflective surfaces. Consequently, afforestation will typically darken the Earth’s surface (when compared to grasslands or deserts). In spite of this knowledge, many believe that afforestation will cool the Earth’s atmosphere since wood is composed of carbon molecules. Therefore, there are two schools of thought on how afforestation affects global climate. The “CO ₂ School” believes that afforestation will have a cooling effect, regardless of the location of the planted trees. In contrast, the “Holistic School” believes the climate is a complex system affected by numerous variables, including clouds and the surface albedo. Many from this School say that afforestation in boreal zones could warm the Earth. This paper reviews some papers from the “Holistic School” and asks the question: will afforestation in temperate zones warm the Earth?

Key words: Albedo, boreal, deforestation, carbon sequestration, climate change, climate policy, tropical.

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry Vol. 1 (3), pp. 042-044, October, 2013. © International Scholars Journals

Review

Contribution of forests to achieving the millennium development goals

Ofuoku A. U.¹ and Agbogidi O. M.²*

¹Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Delta State University, Asaba Campus Asaba, Delta State,

Nigeria.

²Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Delta State University, Asaba campus Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +2347038679939.

Accepted 15 May, 2013

Abstract

The United Nation’s millennium development goals (MDGs) are common objectives that provide a framework to meet the basic needs and rights of millions of people in the developing world. Eight goals with 18 targets and over 40 indicators will help to monitor and meet up with these goals. A target date of 2015 had been set for the world leaders to work towards. Forest management and conservation is central to the achievement of most of these goals. Forest reserves provide food and income, forest also play critical roles in sustaining the health of the environment by mitigating climate change, conserving biological diversity, maintaining clean and reliable water resources, controlling erosion, protecting agricultural soils, sustaining and changing land productivity, protecting coastal and marine resources, providing low cost and renewable energy, and enhancing the urban environment. The paper pointed out the need for forest development to be included in national budget in order to support the achievement of the MDGs. The need to extend the knowledge of forest reserves management and involve energy stakeholders in forest resources management were emphasized.

Key words: Contribution, forests, achievement, millennium development goals, poverty, hunger, gender equality and women, material health.

African Journal of Wood Science and Forestry Vol. 1 (1), pp. 001-004, August, 2013. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Constraints encountered by teak growers in adoption of teak cultivation practices

A. S. Khandagale¹*, Y. B. Taide¹, U. R. Chinchamalatpure², H. K. Deshmukh³ and V. S. Gawali¹

¹Department of Forestry, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola - 444 104 (Maharashtra), India.

²College of Agriculture, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola - 444 104 (Maharashtra) India.

³Department of Forestry, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola - 444 104 (Maharashtra), India.

*Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]

Accepted 30 March, 2013

Abstract

The study investigates the constraints faced by the teak growers in adoption of teak cultivation practices. The findings of the study revealed that the constraints faced by majority of the teak growers in adoption of teak plantation were namely high prices of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals, non-availability of loan and skilled labour for planting, difficulty in getting information about teak plantation and permission to fell teak plantation. So as to overcome these constraints, the teak growers suggested for provision of loan and subsidies, keeping the prices of inputs like stumps, fertilizers and insecticides reasonable and withdrawing the compulsion for prior permission to plant and fell teak trees on teak growers field.

Key words: Constraints, teak growers, adoption.