Mohamed E. Taha1, Elsir Y. M. Ali2, Muneer S. Elyas3, Hatim M. A. Elamin3 and Tsegaye Bekele4

1. Department of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Kordofan, Sudan

2. Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Sinnar, Sudan

3. Institute of Gum Arabic Research and Desertification Studies, University of Kordofan, Sudan

4. Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hawassa University, Ethiopia

 

Abstract: The study was conducted in two successive seasons 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 in Um Fakarin Natural Reserved Forest, South Kordofan State, Sudan. It aimed primarily to examine effects of tapping tools, position of tapping and tree growth parameters on productivity of Acacia seyal (variety seyal Del.) existing in the study area. A factorial experiment constituting two factors in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications was carried out. The first factor comprised two levels of tapping position (stem and branches), while the second factor constituted four tapping tools: traditional axe, sonkey, mengaf, makmak, in addition to the control. Growth parameters measured were diameter at breast height, total tree height and average crown diameter. Tapping was carried out on 1st November each season. First and subsequent picks were done in interval of one month. Collected gum was dried, weighed and recorded. Results showed no significant differences in yield due to tapping tools. As well, no significant differences were indicated between positions of tapping except in the 5th pick (p ≤ 0.01). In spite, it was revealed that branches of Acacia seyal might have a remarkable higher potential for yielding gum talha than the tree stem. Findings showed no significant effects of interacted tools and position of tapping except in the 3rd pick (p ≤ 0.05) and the 7th pick (p ≤ 0.01). Positive correlation has been proved between gum yield and stem diameter (r = 0.138). Negative correlation coefficient was recorded between gum yield and both total tree height (r = -0.083) and average crown diameter (r = -0.047). Relatively high coefficient of variation was estimated as 59.5%; this may be attributed to variation in tree age, tree size and soil fertility. Further research is recommended to identify the most suitable tapping techniques.

 

Key words: tapping tools, tapping position, gum yield, factorial experiment, coefficient of variation