Seed germination and seedling growth of Afzelia bipindensis Harms (Fabaceae) in DR Congo

The objective of this research was to monitor regeneration of Afzelia bipindensis for eighteen months in order to evaluate its germination and seedling growth. The sowing of 200 seeds, 100 seeds per substrate, was carried out in polyethylene bags laid out in randomized complete block, with the spacings of 40 cm x 40 cm while leaving 100 cm between the two series of lines. The germination rate was about 93 % for seeds sown in household waste and 90 % for those sown in forest compost. After eighteen months, the average seedlings heights were 55.7 and 56.7 cm respectively for waste and compost, while the average stem diameters were 0,98 and 0,97 cm. Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference between substrates and germination was good (rate and growth) in all the substrates. Because of their availability and low cost, these two substrates can be recommended to forest managers and planners.

Keywords:  Germination and growth, Afzelia bipindensis, substrate, nursery, DR Congo.