Effect of tapping direction in relation to sun light on gum arabic Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. yields in North Kordofan State, Sudan

• Published in: Forests, trees and livelihoods Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 185 - 191
• Main Authors: Adam, Idris Musa, Ballal, Mohamed El Mukhtar, Fadl, Kamal E.M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2009
• Subjects: Acacia senegal; exudates; gum arabic; light; non timber forest product (NTFP); nontimber forest products; semi-arid area; solar radiation; tree tapping; trees; yields; Sudan
• ISSN: 1472-8028; 2164-3075
• DOI: 10.1080/14728028.2009.9752663

This study was carried out at El Demokeya Forest Reserve over two seasons (2006\2007 and 2007\2008) to determine the effect of tapping direction in relation to sun light on the yield of gum arabic from Acacia senegal. A randomized complete block design experiment with three replications was conducted. The treatments consisted of tapping on the eastern, western, northern and southern sides of the tree. The number of trees per treatment was 10 and 15 in the first and second seasons, respectively. A highly significant difference between tapping direction (P≤ 0.001) was obtained in all pickings except the third picking in the first season and the first picking in the second season. The gum yield increased by 60% when the tapping was on the eastern and western sides towards direct sun light. The combined analysis showed significant differences (P≤ 0.05 and P≤ 0.001) on total gum yield (g/tree) and the number of trees yielding gum. Therefore, tapping of Acacia Senegal tree on the eastern and western sides is recommended.