ASSESSMENT OF PHENOLOGICAL AND PHENOTYPIC GROWTH BEHAVIORS OF SOME SELECTED INDIGENOUS AND EXOTIC TREE SPECIES IN KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was conducted as an assessment of phenological and phenotypical behaviors of some selected indigenous and exotic tree species in Aliero, Kebbi state. Main objective of the study is to ascertain which among the exotic species can easily adapt to the environment of the study area, and which indigenous species can grow faster. The selected tree seedlings include: T1 Eucalyptus camaldulesis, T2 Diospyros myspelifomis, T3 Tamarindus indica, T4 Mangifera indica, T5 Gmelina arborea, T6 Khaya senegalensis, T7 Annona senegalensis, T8 Acacia niltica T9 Detarium microcarpa.  Based on the result of the study T1 and T6 indicated a better robust growth in number of branches, collar diameter and tree heights. It was therefore recommended that T1, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and T6, Khaya senegalensis should be planted in Aliero local government area for plantation establishment and land reclamation, due to their ability to perform well even with the little   amounts of rainfall in the study area.