Involvement of local communities in nursery establishment and practices for plantation development in southern Ghana

Plantation establishment has become a necessary intervention to decrease pressure on Ghana’s
dwindling forest resources. The success of plantation development depends on the quality of seedlings produced. This study was carried out to assess cultural practices in various nurseries in southern Ghana, identify seed collection and processing methods and evaluate the effects on tree seedling production. Information was gathered using structured questionnaires administered to 240 seedling producers in nineteen selected districts in four regions in southern Ghana. While about 44% depended on forestry extension officers for knowledge in seedling production, 28% depended on previous knowledge and experience to produce seedlings. Tectona grandis seedlings were the most produced, followed by Cedrela odorata, Terminalia superba, Ceiba pentandra, Triplochiton scleroxylon, Khaya species and Mansonia altissima in that order. Sixty four per cent collected seeds from the wild while 34% collected from plantations and the rest from seed orchards. Forty eight per cent of respondents collected seeds from tree tops while the rest collected from the forest floor. Seedlings were raised in polythene pots (polypots) or transplant beds with loamy and sandy soils. Diseases such as damping-off, leaf spot, shoot dieback and wilting were commonly encountered in the nursery. Pests including crickets, termites and squirrels were common problems. Management of nursery diseases and pests is linked to nursery operations; therefore, it is important for nursery managers and operators to undergo formal training in seedling production techniques.