Germination Test of Shea Seeds (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn) in Nursery on Substrates of Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the effect of some abiotic factors on the quality of seed germination of shea tree, a plant of great economic interest for the rural populations in Northern Côte d'Ivoire.

Study Design: The trials were conducted in a nursery where two factors were considered. These were the substrate, with six modalities and shelter with two modalities. Six small pits, each of size 60 x 60 cm, surface 3600 cm2 and 15 cm of depth were dug and then filled with different substrates.

Place and Duration of Study: The work was carried out in 2018 in the district of Korhogo in Northern Côte d'Ivoire.

Methodology: Each treatment received 36 seeds of shea tree giving a total of 216 seeds per test. The seeds used were all dark brown, ellipsoid in shape with masses ranging from 10 to 11 g. The experiment was carried out with a total of 12 treatments, six under a greenhouse hermetically covered with transparent polyethylene plastic and six under a shade made up of a rack covered with maximum Panicum leaves.

Results: The first germination was observed at the level of the organic manure treatment at 6 months of degradation installed under the greenhouse (ManB_G = 28 days). The lowest final germination rate was obtained with the organic fertilization at 3 months of degradation installed under the shade (FGP ManA_S = 2.95%) while the highest was observed in the sawdust installed under the greenhouse (FGP S_G = 64.18%).

Conclusion: It is concluded that for each substrate, soil or biowaste, the seeds of shea tree have a better ability to germinate under a greenhouse than under a shelter covered with straw.