ABSTRACT

 This study examines the comparative assessment of germination and early growth characteristics of Brachystegia eurycoma harms andAfzelia Africana. Experiment was conducted to comparatively investigate the germination and early growth characteristics of Brachystegia eurycoma, Afzelia africana. Seeds of the species were planted in top soils contained in 144 plastic pots of 48 pots peat block and 16 pots per species, arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in two (2) replicates. Parameters measured were germination, plant height, number of leaves, collar diameter, leaf area, and dry matter weight. Data collected were subjected to Analysis of variance using SPSS 15.0 software. Significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple range Test (DMRT) statistical tool at P<0.05. The result revealed significant variability in germination and growth parameters measured. Brachystegia and Afzelia africana had the same time to first germination (8 DAP). Highest percentage germination and germination rate (93.1 ±4.04 % and 18.88+0.4 germination/day respectively) was recorded in Afzeli africana, while the least value (77.78 ± 8.8 % and 8.65+ 0.77 germination/day respectively). The study revealed that Afzelia africana has the fastest growth rate ofthe two species at seedlings stage and therefore has greater potential for biomass production purpose. Hence, Afzelia africana should be preferred and encouraged in forest and plantations wherein carbon sequestration or biomass production is the main object offorest management, People should be enlightened on how to use biomass to generate energy and heat and they should be enlightened on their associate benefit, there should be considered for biomass energy production. Brachystegia eurycoma produces less biomass than Afzelia africana but can also be considered for bioenergy production and further research should be carried out to determine other tree species which could be suitable for bioenergy and biofuel production.