Provenance variation in seed- and seedling-related traits in survival, growth and dry matter partitioning of Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra, a potential agroforestry species, in response to water stress

Abstract

Many wild plant food resources are eaten across Africa in addition to the more commonly known agricultural food (Mojeremane and Tshweenyane, 2004). The significance that edible wild indigenous plants make to the diets of many people living in sub Saharian Africa is increasing. The region continues to visited b drought which reduce yields of staple grains and therefore edible wild indigenous plant become an alternative source of food. They are source of vitamins minerals amino acids and trace element. Wild plants contribute to food security, job creation and improved quality of life for people living in rural areas. The aim of the present study was to quantify variations in seed size (seed length, width, and seed weight), and seedling growth characteristics in Morula to experimentally applied drought. Specifically the study (i) assess provenance-specific differences in seed traits and growth responses and (ii) test whether provenance-specific differences are related to local climate variables of provenance origin. For this purpose, samples collected from 9 sites representing the natural range of distribution of the species in West Africa (Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger) were considered.