Variation in seed dimensions, growth and morphological characteristics of
seedlings, isozymes, and capacity for vegetative reproduction and propagation
was assessed in eleven provenances of Maesopsis eminii from Rwanda (2),
Tanzania (2), Kenya (4), Uganda (1), Cameroon (1) and Ghana (1).
Provenances differed significantly in seed length and width. Discrimination
between provenances using seed length and width was possible, and
provenances could be divided into either three or five groups. Examination of
more seed characteristics is needed to determine which of the groupings (three
or five) is more robust.
Differences between provenances in all growth and morphological
characteristics were statistically significant. Discrimination between
provenances using growth characteristics identified four groups:
Rukara/Kibungo (Rwanda) and Arboretum de Ruhande (Rwanda); Kakamega
(Kenya); Kisaina 4E (Kenya); Kisaina 5B (Kenya) and Budongo Forest
Reserve (Uganda).
Four groups were also identified when using either morphological traits alone
or all seed and seedling characteristics together, but the groups had a different
composition. The groups were: Rukara/Kibungo; Arboretum de Ruhande;
Kakamega and Kisaina 5B; Kisaina 4E and Budongo Forest Reserve.
Provenances responded positively to pollarding and coppicing, though there
were significant differences between them in the length of pollard and coppice
shoots. Experiments on grafting were not successful. Vegetative propagation by
stem cuttings was successful, but branch cuttings failed to root.
Isozyme data from eight enzyme systems suggest that the Rwandan, Tanzanian
and Kenyan provenances are similar genetically. The Ugandan and the
Ghanaian provenances appear distinct from the other provenances, but are
similar to each other.
Since different approaches identified different provenance groupings,
discrimination between Maesopsis eminii provenances should be based on a
combination of metric, morphological and biochemical traits. These should also
be used in further investigations of genetic variation in Maesopsis eminii.
Further work is also needed to solve the problem of sporadic seed germination
and to increase the success of vegetative propagation by cuttings and grafting.