Characterization and Evaluation of the Germination Capacity of Mango Nuts Mangifera indica L. on Different Ligneous Substrates in Casamance, Senegal

In Casamance, the mango (Mangifera indica L) sector is facing several difficulties such as fruit flies and the aging of plantations. As a result, it is urgent to undertake studies in order to propose solutions to these constraints. Then the study aim to findout the most suitable varieties for a rapid reconstitution of aging mango orchards in Casamance. This was done through an evaluation of the germinative capacity of different mango nut varieties. To do this, a split plot device with two factors (factor variety and factor substrate) was installed. Thus, the characteristics of the nuts of the different varieties (Pince, Kouloubadaseky, Sierra l?one, Diourou and Papaye) were evaluated. The latter were then sown in sheaths filled with different substrates (cashew potting soil, cauliflower potting soil and mango potting soil). The results shown greatest width (46.25 ? 5.82 mm) and weight (38.8?7.79 g) of the nuts were recorded by Diourou variety. The largest average nut length and thickness were recorded with the Papaye variety with 99.9?8.53 mm and 23.34?3.55mm respectively. The average germination rate of the seeds was 65.34% and their latency period varied from 8 to 13 days after sowing. The varieties that recorded the earliest germination peaks were Diourou (32nd JAS) and Kouloubadaseky (37th JAS). The highest germination rate (77.08%) was obtained by Diourou and the lowest rate was obtained with the Pince (52.5%). These results thus constitute an essential contribution to the development of a useful database for the rapid regeneration of orchards in Casamance.