Title: Phytohormone levels in the aerial organs of Faidherbia albida (Del) A. Chevalier during the hot and humid period in Burkina Faso
Abstract:
Subject description: Faidherbia albida is a species that loses its leaves during the rainy season, unlike other savannah plants
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess phytohormone levels in the plant's aerial organs during the hot, humid period
Method: Phenological observations were made on twelve plants selected according to three age groups: over 30 years, between 15 and 25 years and under 15 years. Spectrometric determinations of auxin, gibberellin and kinetin were carried out in leaves, twigs and trunk bark
Results: De-leafing is almost complete during the hot, rainy season. Levels recorded during this hot, rainy period varied, with AIA levels of 0.97mg/kg for vines over 25 years old, 1.07mg/kg for those between 15 and 25 years old and 1.55mg/kg for those under 15 years old. For GA3: 6.66mg/kg for feet aged over 25, 7.06mg/kg for those aged between 15 and 25 and 8.41mg/kg for those under 15. Finally, for kinetin: 1.51mg/kg for feet aged over 25, 1.91mg/kg for those aged between 15 and 25 and 1.46mg/kg for those under 15. Results showed a positive influence of kinetin (p=0.0038) and GA3 (p= 0.0270) on Faidherbia albida leaf phenology. On the other hand, AIA3 had a negative influence (p=0.0182). Climatic factors also influenced phytohormone levels. This influence was negative for hygrometry (p=0.0057) and rainfall (p=0.0000). On the other hand, it was positive for temperature (p=0.0000). The study concluded that phytohormone levels and climatic parameters were decisive for the foliage/defoliation of the species
Application of results: This study provides important information on the physiological state of Faidherbia albida, which can be used to predict its behavior. Thus, the results obtained can be applied in the search for improvement techniques and rapid multiplication of the species. In addition, the results obtained can be applied in agriculture in the search for new soil fertilizers and in the quality feeding of draught cattle
