Effect of tapping tools and date of tapping on Acacia polyacantha gum yield in South Kordofan State, Sudan

Abstract

A study was conducted in South Kordofan, Sudan to determine the effect of tapping, tapping tools and date of tapping on the gum yield of Acacia polyacantha. A two-factor experiment was conducted for two seasons in 2008–2009. One location was used for two seasons and two locations for one season. The first factor (4 levels) was the tools of tapping: Makmak, Farrar, and Sonki, and the control which was not tapped. The second factor (2 levels) was the date of tapping that comprises mid October and mid November. These treatments were arranged in Randomaized Complete Block Design and replicated three times. Gum yield (g/tree and g/ picking) was recorded for five pickings. Economic analysis was done using the partial budget technique. The results showed highly significant (p < 0.01) differences on gum yield (g/picking and g/tree). The results indicated that the process of tapping increases gum production by 88.4% and 79.8% compared with un-tapped trees, respectively. The date of tapping has no significant effect on gum yield (g/tree and g/picking) of A. polyacantha. Tapping of the tree with Makmak in mid-November was found to be economically beneficial compared to using the other tools and the control. These results could identify a new source of income for the poor farmers in South Kordofan mainly because of the wild occurrence of Kakamut as a potential gum producing tree species grown naturally in the area.

Keywords

Acacia polyacantha; date of tapping / gum yield / Kakamut / South Kordofan / tapping tools

References

[1] Ali A.H., Fadl K.E.M., Adam I.M.. Effect of position of tapping, tree stem diameter and tapping tools on Frankincense yield of Boswellia papyrifera in south Kordofan State, Sudan. Journal of Forest, Trees and Livelihoods, 2009, 19(1): 19-26.

[2] Adam IM 2008. Annual report on Acacia polyacantha gum, ARC, Kadugli Research Station Season 2007/2008.

[3] Adam IM, Ballal ME. 2008. Effect of tapping direction in relation to sun light on gum Arabic (Acacia senegal (L.) Willd.) yield in North Kordofan state. Sudan. Paper released at the 45^th National Crop Husbandry Committee Meeting, 21 December 2008, ARC, Wad Medani, Sudan.

[4] Ballal, ME. 2008. Relationship between climatic factors, tapping and gum arabic yield of Acacia senegal plantations in western Sudan, Paper released at the 44^th National Crop Husbandry Committee Meeting, 18 June 2008, ARC, Wad Medani, Sudan.

[5] Ballal M.E.. Acacia senegal: multipurpose tree species for the arid and semi-arid tropics. 1991, UK: University of Wales

[6] Bolza E, Keating WG. 1972. African Timbers — the Properties, Uses and Characteristics of 700 Species, C.S.I.R.O. Div. of Building Research.

[7] CIMMYT. From agronomic data to farmer recommendations: an economics training manual. 1988, Mexico, DF: Completely revised edition

[8] Elamin H.M.. Trees and Shrubs of the Sudan. 1990, Great Britain: Exeter Press

[9] El Khalifa M.D., El Samani M.O., Abdel Nour H.O., Pearee D.W., Barbier F.B., Markang A., Burgess J.C.. Gum Arabic Belt Rehabilitation in the Republic of the Sudan. Stage I Report Volume 3: Endsleigh Street. London WC, HODD. England. Institute of Environmental Studies. 1989, Sudan: University of Khartoum

[10] Fadl KEM, Gebauer J. 2004. Effect of different tolls and different tapping positions on (talh gum) yield of Acacia seyal var seyal in South Kordofan, Sudan. A full paper online publication of the conference on International Agricultural Research Development 1–6, access at: http:// www. Tropentag.de.

[11] Fadl K.E.M., Gebauer J.. Effect of time and intensity of tapping on the gum yield of Acacia seyal var seyal in south Kordofan, Sudan. Journal of Forests, Ttrees and Livelihoods, 2006, 16: 219-225.

[12] Fanshawe D.B.. Fifty Common Trees of Northern Rhodesia. 1962, Lusaka (Zambia): Natural Resources Board and Forestry Department

[13] Hassan A.A.. Fractionation; physicochemical and functional properties of Acacia Polyacantha. 2008, Sudan: Bio-chemistry and Food Science, University of Khartoum

[14] IIEDIES. Gum arabic rehabilitation in the Republic of the Sudan: Stage 1 report, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and Institute of Environmental Studies (IES). 1989, London: IIED

[15] Mhlonishwa D. 2005. Acacia polyacantha (Hochst. Ex A. Rich) Brenan. Sisiulu National Botanical Gardens. South Africa National Biodiversity Institute. Plant information at http:// www.Plantz Africa.com.

[16] Mulofwa J., Simute S., Tengnäs B.. Agroforestry: Manual for Extension Workers in Southern Province, Zambia. 1994, Nairobi, Kenya: Swedish International Development Authority (SIDA), Regional Soil Conservation Unit (RCSU)

[17] Pardy A.A.1951. Notes on indigenous trees and shrubs of S. Rhodesia — Acacia campylacantha. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands S. Rhodesia Bulletin, No.1606.

[18] Takahashi A. 1978. Compilation of data on the mechanical properties of foreign woods (Part, III) Africa, Shimane University, Japan, Research Report on Foreign Wood No. 7.

[19] White F.. Forest Flora of Northern Rhodesia. 1962, London: Oxford University Press