Abstract:
Fecundity, measured as the degree of fruitfulness was assessed by determining the effects of tree
density and phenology on fruits in Vitellaria population at the permanent site of University of
Ilorin. A total of thirty (30) trees were randomly selected from two distinct locations, tagged and
used for this study. The locations include a dense and a sparse areas. From each selected tree,
flowering and leafing phenological events as well as fruiting patterns were observed and
recorded. Number of flower buds per inflorescence, percentage anthesis, and number of fruits per
inflorescence were taken. Fruits and seeds quantitative characteristics were recorded at the end of
the fruiting season. The data taken were analyzed using SPSS. Results indicated that Vitellaria
fruits from December to February with peak in April. Three flowering timings- early, mid and
late- were observed with significant difference (p<_0.05) with respect to fruits dimensions. Early
flowering trees produced highest number of fruits/inflorescence (5.6), fruit weight (37.2cm),
length (4.9cm) and diameter (4.1cm). Flower and leaf phenology interactions significantly
affected fruits set in Vitellaria. Trees that produced flowers before shedding their leaves have the
highest number of fruits, while those that flowered and shed leaves synchronously have the least
number of fruits. Furthermore, trees in sparse areas produce higher average number of
fruits/inflorescence (8) compared to those in dense areas (3). This indicated that Vitellaria trees
found in sparse areas fruit better than those at dense areas. |
