VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION OFDACRYODES EDULIS(G. DON) H.J. LAM BY MARCOTS, CUTTINGS AND MICROPROPAGATION

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Abstract
Air layering (or marcotting) of ‘safou’ (Dacryodes edulis) is most successful with large diameter, horizontal branches with thick bark. However, rooting remains slow and severance is only possible five months after setting the marcots. Application of growth regulators helps to accelerate rooting and reduces the severance period from five to three months. The best results were obtained with IBA. The most effective rooting medium for D. edulis juvenile leafy stem cuttings was found to be sawdust or a sand/sawdust mixture, but no significant effect of hormonal stimulation on rooting was recorded. A technique for disinfecting mature plant material of D. edulis for in vitro propagation is reported. The reputation of D. edulis as a species that is difficult to propagate vegetatively is incorrect. This has important implications for the domestication of the species.