Effects of Age and Storage Time on Vegetative Recovery and Growth of Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. (Malvaceae) Stumps in Nurseries in Côte d'Ivoire

Background: Bombax buonopozense is a species of great socio-economic importance that deserves to be included in reforestation campaigns in Côte d'Ivoire. Indeed, the exploitation of wood from this species is not sustainable, as it mainly involves natural stands and constitutes a threat that is likely to increase the risk of extinction of the species. For this reason, it is vital to carry out research into the biology of B. buonopozense in order to obtain reliable data on germination and initial growth parameters, if the species is to be sustained. Aim: The general objective of this study was to contribute to the improvement of knowledge on the propagation pathways of B. buonopozense with a view to its inclusion in reforestation programmes in Côte d'Ivoire. Materials and Methods: The trials were carried out with stumps that were more than one year old and less than one year old before being harvested. The stumps were planted in nursery bags and placed in an experimental set-up comprising two blocks corresponding to the age of the stumps. Each block was subdivided into three sub-blocks for three treatments related to the length of time the stumps had been stored before planting. The vegetative recovery and growth dynamics of the stumps were monitored. Results: The results showed that plants from stumps less than one year old had the highest recovery rate (80.5 ± 1.73%) with a relatively short vegetative recovery time (7.75 ± 0.96 days) when planted on the same day. In general, a regression in the vegetative recovery parameters of the stumps was observed according to their storage time. In terms of growth dynamics, plants from stumps more than one year old recorded the highest mean value for height (11.07 ± 8.55 cm) and number of leaves (9.53 ± 4.45 leaves), while those from stumps less than one year old recorded the highest value for diameter. Height and diameter growth were strongly correlated in plants from both stump categories. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the ability to reproduce B. buonopozense using stumps, which constitute a means of vegetative propagation. This propagation method offers an alternative for the production of nursery plants for forestry purposes.