Morphometric characters and pods production of Vachellia tortilis subsp. raddiana (Savi) according to toposequence in the department of Goure (Niger)

Abstract

In Niger, the Vachellia tortilis is a well-known multi-purpose tree species with high morphological variability. Its fruits are available few months after raining season and use as excellent fodder for livestock. Our work aimed to examine characteristics variation in these pods or fruits according to site toposequence.

Dendrometric parameters were collected from feet belonging to different toposequences. These parameters made it possible to establish their structures in diameter class and height class. A total of 597 fruits with an average of 192 fruits per toposequence were measured. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests, parametric and non-parametric tests.

The average values of morphometric parameters of fruits were found to be: 63.23±19.22 for grains’ number in ten fruits (6,32±1,92 seeds per pods); 38.43±16.06 for number of Healthy seeds, while the defective grains accounted for 58.84±18.34. One hundred grains weight 5.652±3.834 g. Although, the length and width of the fruits were found to be 8.465±2.303 cm and 1.993±2.092 cm respectively, and size of seeds was 6,01±0,63mm. Seeds number per pod and pods size were correlated to mensuration parameters. This study has highlighted the relationship between the mensuration parameters and morphometric variations in fruits following the toposequence.