Abstract

The study investigated the growth assessment and germination study of endangered Aframomum sceptrum(Braun) under different planting regime for sustainable utilization. The result of various planting regime showed that shoot height was highest in seeds planted 5 days after extraction (35.36 cm) closely followed by 3 days after extraction (31.36 cm) and the least value was found in 14 days after extraction. In the same vain, base diameter was highest in seeds planted 5 days after extraction, while the least was recorded in seeds sown after 3 days of extraction. Number of leaves was highest for seeds planted 3 days after extraction (11 cm) and the least value was recorded for the ones planted 14 days after extraction (8 leaves). Differences in all the growth parameters assessed were significant at p < 0.05. There were positive effects in growth performance of this specie in the entire planting regime. Therefore, this study shows a positive domestication and multiplication of this species.

Key words: Aframomum sceptrum, planting regime, sustainable utilization, dormancy, germination.