Phenological Study of Elaeis guineensis (Jacq.) Growing in Ihiala, Anambra State, South-East Nigeria
Ochia, M. Angela
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria.
Ekwealor, U. Kenneth
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria.
Njom S. Victor
Department of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Mbaukwu A. Onyinye
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria.
Iroka, F. Chisom
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The aim of the study was to provide a phenological data and baseline information on the phenology of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. The study was conducted with exotic species at Ihiala, South-East, Nigeria, a tropical climate. The initiation and completion of different phenophases of the tree, such as budding, leafing, flowering, fruiting and ripening were recorded at two weeks interval. The combination of the principal growth stages and the secondary growth stages produced 2-digit codes, were used to delineate the time-dependent phenophases. The results revealed that E. guineensis showed a cyclical and seasonal appearance of the phenophases observed in the course of the year. Bud formation and leaf development phenophases were very gradual and steady across the months observed. Peak flowering time of August through November and peak ripening time of April was recorded in this study. Also, the study revealed that difference existed in the extent of phenophases of the observed species. The study also showed that E. guineensis belong to the family (Arecaceae) had different time frames for the phenophases. It is concluded that the phenological records obtained from the study can be very useful in planning and management of orchards, and can provide reference records in tracing changes in the phenology of E. guineensis in the future.
Keywords: Climate variability, Elaeis guineensis, palm tree, phenology, plant responses