Abstract

The correlation between seed size and biomass production of Moringa oleifera, was conducted in a field experiment at Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) in 2014. The experiment included eleven M. oleifera provenances from West Africa according to four agro-ecological characteristics (Sahelian, Sub Equatorial, South Sudanian and North Sudanian). Differences among provenances seed traits, leaf morphology, and dry mass (DM) were established by analyses of variance. Significant level was fixed at P < 0.05. Pearson’s correlation analysis was done to evaluate the relationships between seed traits, leaf morphology, and dry mass. The results showed that significant differences in seed traits  were observed among provenances. Provenances were significantly different in leaf morphology (length, width and number of pinnae/seedling). The provenance of National Forest Seed Center (CNSF) from the northern sudanese area of Burkina Faso produced the longest leaf. The mean shoot biomass accumulation per seedling differed significantly among provenances. Significant correlation coefficients were observed among seed traits but no important correlation were found between seed traits and other plant characteristics. No significantly correlation of seed size with either leaf morphology or dry mass were found. Plant grown from large seeds compared to those grown from small seeds was more vigorous and produces greater dry matter.

Key words: Moringa seedling, dry biomass, correlation, seed length, seed weight, seed width.