VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION BY SUCKERING OF CROSSOPTERYX FEBRIFUGA (AFZEL. EX G. DON) BENTH. IN THE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS OF PENDÉ (CHAD)

The Pendé ecosystems are home to an exceptional plant biodiversity, representing an inestimable potential for the socio-economic development of the said locality. Among the emblematic species of these Pendé ecosystems, Crossopteryx febrifuga occupies a special place due to its multiple socio-economic and medicinal uses. Anthropogenic pressures and climate change pose an increasing threat to this species. This study aims to contribute to the domestication of Crossopteryx febrifuga by suckering. An analysis of its natural regeneration mode in different land-use units was carried out, and the effect of induction type and root exposure mode on the suckering of this species was tested. Characterization analyses and root system excavations enabled us to identify the mode of regeneration by seed propagation, coppice shoot and suckering. Suckering density was estimated at 1±0 suckers/ha in savannah, 2.37±1.18 suckers/ha in fallow land and 2.2±0.83 suckers/ha in fields. As for suckering induction, complete root sectioning was more effective (40.47±24.82%) than partial sectioning (12.66±6.41%). Roots exposed to the open air showed greater suckering capacity (41.33± 32.88%) than those covered with original soil (23.33± 8.16%) and aluminium foil (11.66± 2.35%). None of the induced suckers developed their own root system. Nevertheless, these results confirm that complete root sectioning and exposure to the open air, combined with optimal environmental conditions, is a promising method for maximizing suckering potential in Crossopteryx febrifuga and other woody species to revegetate severely degraded ecosystems in Chad.