Juvenile Height Equations For Plantation-Grown Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume VI, Issue V, May 2021|ISSN 2454-6194

Juvenile Height Equations For plantation-grown Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Saka, M. G.¹, Kenan, T.² and Yakubu, M.2
¹Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria
²Department of Forestry Technology, Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic Kazaure, Jigawa, Nigeria

ABSTRACT
The juvenile height equation was developed for plantation-grown Phoenix dactylifera L. species in Modibbo Adama University of Technology (MAUTECH) Date Palm Plantation. In the four hectare date palm plantation, 15 sample plots of 35 x 35m were randomly laid in the entire plantation. In each of the laid plot, all the standing trees were enumerated, and measurements were carried out on the variable of interest. The collected sampled plots data was divided into two groups for model calibration (70%) and model validation (30%). The measured tree height was fitted as a function of computed Crown Area (CA) and Number of Branch leaves, using stepwise regression method The predictive abilities of the selected juvenile height equation was evaluated, using Coefficient of determination (R2), the bias (Ê) and Standard Error of Estimate (SEE). The results on degree of association between the juvenile tree height, crown area and number of branches revealed a strong positive correlation coefficient. The predicted height models were ranked and screened, and the best equations was chosen based on its high coefficient of determination (R2) value of 75.8%, low SEE value of 0.2398. The result on the residual shows no significant difference between the observed and the predicted data (P > 0.05).which is an indication that the model is of good fit. The result of this study reveals that the height equation generated will serve as a reference to determine the future height equation of the Date palm (Phoenix dactilyfera L.) plantation in any area having similar environmental conditions.

Keywords: Juvenile, height equation, Plantation-grown, Phoenix dactylifera

INTRODUCTION

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is considered as one of the oldest and main staple and ancient crops in Southwest Asia and North Africa. Besides, dates can be grown in Australia, Mexico, South America, southern Africa, and the United States, especially in southern California, Arizona, and Texas (Chao and Krueger, 2007; Al-Harrasi et al., 2014; Hazzouri et al., 2015). Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is believed to have been introduced into Nigeria in the early 8th Century by Arab traders from North Africa. Date fruit called ‘Dabino’ in Hausa is a highly valued delicacy among many communities in Nigeria, particularly the northern part of the country. The fruits are especially used during ceremonies, festivals and during breaking of fast among the Muslim faithful.
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a tree which is extensively cultivated for its edible fruit. The growth habit of palms is a cylindrical, no branching stem, and relatively tall trunk. The trunk of date palm is composed of vascular bundles held together

Read More