Impact of climate on seed morphology and plant growth of Caesalpinia bonduc L. in West Africa (original) (raw)
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The study explores how varying climatic conditions influence seed morphology and plant growth of Caesalpinia bonduc L. in West Africa. It examines the relationship between environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns with the physical characteristics of seeds and subsequent growth patterns. The findings aim to provide insights into the adaptation strategies of this species in response to climate change, informing conservation efforts and agricultural practices in the region.
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Caesalpinia bonduc L. is an important medicinal plant threatened by overexploitation. In the present study, the impact of climate on seed morphology, germination capacity, seedling and plant growth of C. bonduc were evaluated. A total of 2000 seeds were collected in Sudanian and Guinean climate zones of Africa and their length, width, thickness, weight and color were recorded. A hierarchical classification and canonical discriminant analysis were applied to the above traits of seeds from the different climatic zones. An analysis of variance with repeated measures was applied to seeds morphotypes identified by the hierarchical classification to test for the effect of these morphotypes on seed germination, seedling and plant growth. Hierarchical classification helped to identify four seed morphotypes. Canonical discriminant analysis performed on these morphotypes revealed highly significant differences. Morphotypes 1 and 3 comprised green seeds mainly from Sudanian zone while morphotypes 2 and 4 gathered grey seeds mainly from Guinean zone. Morphotype 3 had the longest seeds while the shortest seeds were from morphotype 1. The heaviest seeds were found in morphotype 4 whereas the lightest ones were from morphotype 1. Seeds of morphotype 4 were the thickest and widest, while the slimmest and most narrow ones were grouped in morphotype 1. Moprhotype 3, consisting of large green seeds mainly from Sudanian zone, was superior in terms of seedling and plant growth among all morphotypes and should be the best choice for planting purposes of the species.
Evaluating functional seed traits allows us to identify ecological strategies of plants in different habitats. However, there are few studies in species from arid tropical areas. The objectives in this study were to: a) identify and evaluate morphological seed traits of Caesalpinia glabrata; an endemic species of the dry forests in Ecuador; b) determine water absorption capacity in the seeds; and c) evaluate the percentage and speed of germination of seed. A total of fifteen morphological traits in seeds were evaluated, and different treatments of imbibition and germination were tested. The individual seed size was approximately 9.2 x 6.6 x 4.5 mm, weight of 0.18 g. The seeds were oval, with smooth, thick and impermeable seed coat which induces its physical dormancy. The seeds presented an axillary-inverted yellow embryo, occupying the entire interior of the seeds. The germination was high in the treatments, mainly when the seed coat part was removed, surpassing the 90 % in 10 days. Germination time was significantly different between treatments (P <0.001). Based on the traits evaluated in this study, C. glabrata have high probability of reproductive success over time under temporary aridity conditions, as well as great potential for use in reforestation and ex situ conservation programs.
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