Techniques for the Propagation of Ternstroemia cameroonensis Cheek: A Critically Endangered Medicinal Plant Species in in the Lebialem Highlands, Cameroon

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the regeneration potential of Ternstroemia cameroonensis a critically endangered medicinal plant in the Lebialem Highlands, Cameroon by seeds, stem cuttings and marcotting. An effort in plant propagation is very relevant in the present day forest management and routine practice to produce viable seedlings for the forest regeneration and conservation. There is dearth need of information regarding the propagation of T. cameroonensis. Air dried seeds were subjected to abrasion with sand paper, soaked in hot water at 100 ⁰C and 98% concentrated sulphuric acid at various duration. In addition, stem cuttings and marcotts were rooted using synthetic hormones indole acetic acid and indole butyric acid as well as alternative sources (coconut water and honey). Seeds pre-treated with 98% concentrated sulphuric acid for 1 minute (T21), 3 minutes (T22) had the shortest latent period of 43.6 and 41.25 days respectively. There was a significant difference in the germination percentage, with seed soaked in 98% concentrated sulphuric acid for 3 minutes (T22) having the highest germination percentage (20%) followed by those soaked in 98% concentrated sulphuric acid for 6 minutes (T23) with 12.22%. Early growth performances of seedlings were not significant. All seeds subjected to abrasion with sand paper and those soaked in hot water at various durations failed to germinate.

The best survival percentage of stem cuttings was in coconut water (28.7%) followed by IBA (22.75%). Stem cuttings with 50% leaf area had the best survival percentage (34.9%) compared to others. Low concentrations of IBA (0.5 g/l and 0.2g/l) and soaking in CW for 4 h had the best performance. Marcotts had an overall survival percentage of 35.41%. Those established at the middle of the crown had the highest survival percentage (15.27%) followed by those at the lower position (11.80 %). Also marcotts established on branches with larger diameter (4-6 cm) and shorter length (50 cm) had the highest survival percentage (20.13 and 19.44 respectively). Again marcotts treated with IBA and CW had the best performance compared to other pre-treatments. According to the result, T. cameroonensis can be amenable by seed and vegetative though not sustainable.