The use and silvicultural managment of baobab (Adansonia digitata) in East Africa

Bc. Tomáš Čermák

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) is a huge multipurpose tree of the savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa, with high economic potential for local communities which can help for conservation of this majestic specie. This study aimed to found out suitable ways of Adansonia digitata L. propagation and silviculture management in Kenya. This study was divided in three section. In first we carried out three pre-treatment methods for speed up germination of seeds, by counting of germinated seeds on the end of experiment. Second was experiment with indirect morpohogenesis, we used embryonic axes on different types of media and third was farmers survey in done by semi-structured questionnaire in three location in Kenya. The best result was achieved in treatment with acid 81.9% but best method for people living in rural areas of Kenya, boiling method was chosen as the most suitable treatment. We were also testing indirect morpohogenesis in baobab; this method of propagation was not fully successful; protocol for induction and proliferation of callus was successfully developed, the best growth regulator concentrations were (MS + 2.4-D + BAP 0.1 mg/l) and (MS + 2.4 D 1 mg/l) chosen based on the growth intensity of callus, however plant regeneration process from callus needs more time to be optimized. Results from survey showed that the biggest challenge in management of baobab is increasing drought due climatic change which seedlings of baobab cannot survive. Result of this study showed that natural regeneration can be supported by artificial methods, but aftercare is crucial. Future research should be conducted to broaden the knowledge attained during this research.

Keywords

germination, callogenesis, management, Pre-treatment, indirect morphogenesis, local uses

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 26. 4. 2019

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Bohdan Lojka, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Master programme / field:
Forestry Engineering / Tropical Forestry and Agroforestry