THE EFFECTS OF DEFOLIATION AND INORGANIC FERTILISERS ON THE GROWTH OF SOME TROPICAL TREE SEEDLINGS

Abstract

The effects of defoliation and some inorganic fertilisers on the growth of 3-month-old seedlings of six tropical tree species, i.e. Terminalia ivorensis, Terminalia superba. Ceiba pentandra, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis and Leucoma leucocephala, were studied. The removal of two to three leaves significantly decreased root length and dry weights of root and shoot of seedlings of the six species. Seedling height was unaffected by defoliation. Removal of part of a previously intact leaf had no adverse effect on the total growth. There was increase in total leaf area and dry weight of seedlings treated with five inorganic fertilisers, that of Mg(NO₃)₂ being the most effective.