Problematic Melia volkensii Seeds Packaged and Ready to Germinate by Farmers

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, germinatio

Direct Sowing of Tree Seeds Trial: Case Study of Kuani Hill in Meru County Kenya

World climate change is as a result of greenhouse gases emitted into atmosphere. The gases remain in the atmosphere because of limited actively growing plants to sequestrate main culprit of greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide. This then calls for consolidated efforts to make trees start growing in a big number. Tree planting is expensive undertaking requiring funds and human energy. Some sites are so vast and others not accessible, this then requires simpler and less expensive mechanisms to do afforestation. An experiment was done to study possibilities of removing one stage in tree nurturing activities before transferring to planting spots. The nursery practice was removed which meant seeds are sown direct in ground and observation made. The aim of the trial was to attempt to establish trees by the direct sowing of seeds at planting site. If trees can be successfully established by this method then establishment costs would be greatly reduce by the elimination of nursery work. 12 different species were included in the trial. Some of the seeds required pretreatment which was done. There were two sowings in different seasons, the first was done when there were little rains and it failed prompting a repeat during next rains which were favorable. Results were, the first sowing was a failure with all germinated plants dying after sprouting.  The second had some limited success with sprouting saplings surviving. This was limited success due to the site condition being semiarid. Among the best performers were drought resistance plants of Acacia albida (69%), Albezia lebbek (8%), Acacia aulacocarpa (3%), Acacia auriculiformis (1%), Senna siamea (1%), and Gravellea robusta (1%). The rest that is Acacia mearnsii, Acrocurpus fraxinfolius, Senna spectabilis, Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus saligna and Leuceana leucocephala, scored zero percentage. The results indicate that direct sowing need to be done in high potential areas and if done in semiarid, then choose a good rainy season. Species to be used should match the site. This experiment need to be repeated in many different sites with many tree species. Keywords: Tree Seeds Trial, Kenya DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-2-0

Distribution of stomata on Lycopersicon esculentum leaves for plants growing in air pollution related to vehicle fumes along Waiyaki Highway Nairobi County Kenya

Air pollution is a worldwide environmental negative phenomenon affecting global climate, humans, animals and plants. Vehicle fumes as a leading major source among smoke producing air pollutants, was examined in this study. Nairobi, a mega-city with increasingly high levels of air pollution was studied with special emphasis on one of its roads, i.e. Waiyaki Highway. This road was investigated for scientific understanding of effects of vehicle fumes on plants stomata behavior and distribution. Hotspots of air pollution averaging PM10 42.6µgm/M3 along this Highway were identified as locations for monitoring of effects of air pollution on plants. A control (at NARL) had similar environmental conditions but no significant air pollution (measured air pollution at environment of control at NARL, had PM10 0.6µgm/M3). The control experiment was protected from air pollution related to vehicle fumes by lengthy distance away from the road plus vegetation thriving in between. Sites selected for treated experiments were: ICEA buildings, ABC Place, and Kangemi market. These hotspots were also evidenced by some existing trees/or plants which were moribund and all trees at the sites had darken tree trunks and leaves due to air pollution. Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. (1691), tomato plant that highly susceptible to air pollution was exposed to air pollution at selected sites. The experiments looked at distribution of stomata account after 3 months. Collected data was analysed using Poisson distribution in Genestat software. Means were separated by use of Least Significant Difference (LSD) or Tukey in Genestat software. The stomata were located under leaf mainly with plants in treated experiments exposed to air pollution. Significantly (at F2,6=3.37, P<0.05) more of open stomata on the treated plants were found on lower epidermis. In the experiment, plants germinated developed normally but differences were experienced in distribution of stomata analysis. The unfavorable atmospheric condition due to air pollution related to vehicle fumes, physiologically plants react by leaf stomata pores distribution. Physiologically plants distribute stomata pores to where there is no obstruction as a way of adoption to air pollution and this case; it happened on treated experiment plants having more stomata and open stomata on lower epidermis upper epidermis. Keywords Air pollution, Vehicle fumes, Leaf distribution of stomata, Lycopersicon esculentum Waiyaki Highwa