Browsing by Author "Mbaekwe, E. I."

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    Ecology of Piliostigma Thonningii in Early Successional Plot in Northwestern Nigeria
    (1990) Mbaekwe, E. I.; Isichei, A. O.
    In the Kainji Basin, Mokwa and Yelwa areas of northwestern Nigeria early successional plots are usually dominated in terms of number of stems by the Caesalpinioid shrub Piliostigma thonningii. An ecological study of 17 sample plots from the areas was carried out in order to define the niche of Piliostigma because of its potential in providing soil cover and rehabilitation of degraded lands. In the plots studied it was found that Piliostigma abundance was associated with a high soil sand: clay ratio, open vegetation canopy and low species diversity. These characteristics identify Piliostigma as an early successful species.
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    The Estimation of Age and Analyses of the Growth Rate Piliostigma thonningii (Schum.) Milne-Redhead in the Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria
    (2007) Isichei, A. O.; Mbaekwe, E. I.
    Estimates of age and analyses of growth rate of Piliostigma thonningii were made by counting rings and measuring ring widths in those plants that formed distinct rings. In the others, with indistinct rings or no rings, the regression method was used to estimate the ages, using known ages and girths to derive a regression equation. There was a high correlation coefficient between age and girth (r = 0.96), less so between age and mean annual growth increment (r = 0.71) and much less so between age and bark thickness (r = 0.54). The estimated mean annual growth increment (cm) for all the tress sampled was 1.07 ± 0.23 (at 95% confidence limit).
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    Nutrient Status of the Leaves of Piliostigma Thonningii (Schum.) Milne-Redhead in the Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria
    (2006) Mbaekwe, E. I.; Isichei, A. O.
    The value of Piliostigma Thonningii as a browse plant in the Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria was assessed by analysing its leaves for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and carbohydrate contents. Sampling of the leaves was done from five different plots, at two different growth periods, that is March/April and October/November, representing the beginning of flush and the peak of vegetative growth respectively, and on both the apex and base of the twigs. Higher values for % total nitrogen, extractable potassium and % soluble sugar and starch were obtained at the beginning of flush when the leaves were younger than at the end when they were much older, indicating a decline of these essential nutrient elements with the age of the leaves. This trend was found to be statistically significant. The % total phosphorus was low, probably reflecting the reported low values for this essential element in Savanna soils. The nitrogen content compares very well with those of other species in the Savanna and is even higher than those of grasses at equivalent sampling period (October - November), indicating the importance of the leaves of P. thonningii as a source of browse for both wildlife and livestock at a critical period in the Guinea Savanna.
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    Uses, Germination Ecology and Modes of Propagation of Pilliostigma thonningii (Schum) Milne-Redhead in the Guinea Savanna Zone
    (2007) Mbaekwe, E. I.; Isichei, A. O.
    The values of Piliostigma thonningii include its use in such areas as herbal medicine, as a browse for livestock and possible uses in ecosystem stabilization. It is these uses that necessitated an investigation into its mode of germination and propagation. The germination trials revealed that the seeds have seed coat dormancy, and this can be broken by subjecting them to concentrated sulphuric acid for up to 20 min. the seeds had a very wide tolerance range for the concentrated acid (up to 120 min), indicating the extent of the thickness of the testa. The rooting trials showed quite convincingly that P. thonningii cannot be propagated by vegetative means. Its frequent occurrence along the roadsides was attributed to dispersal by livestock.