Importance of Preserved Medicinal Plants in Cocoa Agroforestry Systems for Health Security of Cocoa Producers in West Center, Côte d’Ivoire

Evaluating the factors that influence seed germination is essential for improving crop establishment. Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King.) leaf litter can modify soil conditions by regulating moisture and nutrient availability. These alterations may significantly affect the germination performance of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) a widely cultivated and economically important vegetable crop. This study aims to examine the effects of mahogany leaf litter on the germination performance of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) seeds. The experiment included five (5) treatments with different amounts of mahogany leaf litter, along with a control treatment that contained no leaf litter. The germination performance of the seeds was evaluated using parameters such as germination percentage, germination capacity, germinative energy, and energy period. A total of 750 seeds were used for germination testing on germination performance. The field experiment followed a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments: T₁ (control), T₂ (100 g), T₃ (200 g), T₄ (300 g), and T₅ (500 g) of mahogany leaf litter, replicated three times. Results showed no significant differences in germination percentage and germinative capacity among treatments. However, germinative energy was significant, with T₂ (100 g) recording the highest value (48%), while the control (T₁) had the lowest (11.33%). Energy period was highly significant, with treatments T₂–T₅ showing faster germination (6–6.33 days). The research shows that mahogany leaf litter has no notable impact on the germination rate or overall viability of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) seeds. That said, applying a moderate quantity (100 g) improved germination vigor and shortened the time to peak germination, leading to quicker results than the control. Overall, while it doesn’t boost the total germination percentage, mahogany leaf litter can speed up and enhance the germination process at specific doses.

Keywords: Agroforestry; Eggplant; Germination; Leaf Litter.