Effects Of Media Type On In Vitro Germination Of Afzelia Africana

Afzelia africana is a leguminous multipurpose hard wood tree with edible seeds and forage leaves used in traditional medicine. It has been enlisted as endangered because of it has dormant recalcitrant seeds and deforestation. In this study we carried out in vitro germination of A. aricana seeds using three different nutrient media to determine the best suite. Murashige and Skoog 1962 media (MS), Woody plant media (WPM) by Lloyd and McCown, 1981, and Modified MS media (MMS) were prepared and used following standard protocols. The seeds were disinfected using concentrated H2SO4 for 30 minutes and double distilled water for 120 minutes. Five (5) seeds in five (5) replicates were cultured on each of the media and kept under set 16/8 hours’ photoperiod incubator. After 4 weeks of culturing, Seed coat Break (SB), Root Emergence (RE), Cotyledon Opening (COp) and Shoot Emergence (SE) were recorded in days. Leaves were counted and recorded as Leaf Number (LN), and Plant Height (PH) were recorded in centimeters (cm). Of all the parameters studied, MS media was significant in all the parameters with SB (2.00±0.00), RE (4.00±0.00) COp (5.40±0.41), SE (5.60±0.84), PH (13.38±0.45) and LN (7.00±1.15). Since the MS media proved to be best suited for in vitro germination of A. Africana seeds, it is recommended for the propagation of the plant to augment regeneration hence conservation of the species.