Variation of Parkia biglobosa morphological traits according to land use and agro-climatic zones in Southern Mali

Abstract

A study was conducted in southern Mali to contribute to the domestication of Parkia biglobosa. Three agro climatic zones (North Sudanian “NS”, South Sudanian “SS” and North Guinean “NG”) and two stands (field and fallow) were concerned. Three plots of 0.25 ha each, were installed in each stand. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), Total Height (TH) and Crown Diameter (CD) of adult trees were measured. The effect of agro-climatic zone on growth parameters was significant. The South and North Sudanian zones showed significantly higher means of DBH, TH and CD compared to the North Guinean zone. The mean DBH varied from 45.46 cm (NG) to 65.96 cm (NS). The mean TH varied from 10.68 m (NG) to 12.59 m (NS). The mean CD in the field stand varied from 10.50 m (NG) to 16.12 m (SS) and in fallow stand it varied from 11.21 m (SS) to 13.64 m (NS). Stand effect was not significant but the interaction zone*stand was significant. The effect of agro-climatic did not display an influence of the climatic gradient, suggesting that management practices played an important role in the growth of this species.   Key words: Domestication, fallow, field, growth parameters, management practices, Parkland species.