Problematic Melia volkensii Seeds Packaged and Ready to Germinate by Farmers

Abstract

Melia volkensii is a useful multipurpose tree grown in semi-arid to arid lands. Products from the tree are highly regarded and expensive. The species has a problem with germination although it seeds profusely. A break through by Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) in germinating Melia Volkensii seed was a milestone in history of Forestry especially in Arid and semi-arid lands. Techniques developed, require good sanitary and high temperatures condition and seeds pre-treated when wet to get 50% Melia Volkensii seed germination in green house or laboratory. It is impossible to germinate the seeds on farm. New methods of germination of Melia volkensii seeds have been developed. Method is composed of miniature greenhouse carrying ten dry pre-treated, fumigated seeds together with satirized sand and water. Farmers are asked to trigger germination by allowing water to mix with sand and seed and place the sachet in worm armpit temperature. Several sachets were made and given to 25 farmers in Kitui (Kabati, Chuluni, Kyanguthia) ready to germinate. Results indicate an overall 56.70% of farmers achieved germination. When χ2 test was applied at p<0.05, there were no significant difference in germinations. Showing that, all farmers had similar number of seeds germinating. By use of this method germination is possible by any farmer an indication of success of the new method of germinating Melia volkensii.  It also shows that germination can be achieved up to 60% (achieved by one farmer from Kyanguthia) depending on position temperature maintained. This method then requires refining to achieve better results.

Keywords Melia volkensii Seeds, miniature greenhouse, dry pre-treatment, germination