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Do propagation methods affect the fine root architecture of African plum (Dacryodes edulis)?

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Abstract

Belowground tree growth attributes determine whether associations will be complementary or competitive in an agroforestry context. A study on fine root (d ≤ 2 mm) distribution patterns of Dacryodes edulis based on root density (RD), root length density (RLD) and root weight density (RWD) was conducted to evaluate the effect of propagation methods on rooting distribution. Results showed that D. edulis trees of seed origin had greater RD (P ≤ 0.001) than trees of vegetative origin (cuttings and marcots) in the upper soil stratum (0–30 cm). Similarly, in the uppermost soil stratum (0–10 cm), RLD and RWDs varied significantly (P < 0.01). Trees of seed origin had an exponential distribution pattern for fine RD, RLD and RWD with depth to 80 cm. In contrast, the distribution pattern of fine roots of trees of vegetative origin (cuttings and marcots) were quadratic for the same variables which increased in the 20–30 cm soil depth stratum before declining steadily to a depth of 80 cm. The findings of this study suggest that D. edulis trees of vegetative origin (cuttings and marots) are likely to be less competitive than trees of seed origin when intercropped with shallow-rooted annual plants in an agroforestry system for belowground resources.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF) for financing this work in Cameroon. The authors further wish to thank ICRAF Cameroon field technicians, Chin Louis and Mbouombouo Amadou, who were very instrumental for data collection. The first author is also grateful to the ICRAF East Africa Region for sponsoring his trip to a writeshop in Zanzibar (Tanzania) in which he accelerated the preparation of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), West and Central Africa Regional Program, BP 16317, Yaounde, Cameroon

    E. K. Asaah, Z. Tchoundjeu & L. Kouodiekong

  2. The World Vegetable Center (AVRDC), Liaison Office Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon

    T. N. Wanduku

  3. Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium

    E. K. Asaah & P. Van Damme

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  1. E. K. Asaah
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  2. T. N. Wanduku
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  3. Z. Tchoundjeu
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  4. L. Kouodiekong
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  5. P. Van Damme
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Correspondence to E. K. Asaah.

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Communicated by E. Beck.

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Asaah, E.K., Wanduku, T.N., Tchoundjeu, Z. et al. Do propagation methods affect the fine root architecture of African plum (Dacryodes edulis)?. Trees 26, 1461–1469 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-012-0720-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-012-0720-9

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