ABSTRACT

 The tropical zone of Nigeria is characterized by a diverse range of ecosystems, including rainforests and savannah woodlands, which provide suitable habitats for Irvhigia gcibonensis This study was carried out at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudikc (MOUAU). located in Umudike, Abia Slate, Nigeria. The geographical coordinates ofthe study area are approximately latitude 5.4902° N and longitude 7.5282° E (Google Maps, 2023). MOUAU is situated in the tropical zone ofNigeria, characterized by a humid climate and abundant rainfall. The result showed that the number of leaves sprouted by the seedlings after 3days, 6days and 9 days of planting (WAP). At 3 days after planting, the number of leaves sprouted by the seedlings ranged between 1 and 2. Further increase in the number ofleaves were observed from 4 to 5 after 6 days of planting. At 9 days after planting, there was progressive increase in the number of leaves from 6 to 8. The area of the leaves from the Irvingia gabonenses seedlings were analyzed at 3 days, 6 days and 9 days after planting. The 1st seedling had the maximum mean area value of 10.94 cm2, followed by the second and third seedling with mean area value of 9.68 cm2 and 9.34 cm2 respectively. The lowest mean area value of 4.90 cm2 was observed in the 10lh seedling while the 5"’ seedling had mean area value of 5.25 cm2. I recommended that drying rate ofthe seed should be reduced before planting and adding of fertilizer and manure to enhance the early germination of the seedlings.