Factors Affecting Initial Seedling Establishment Of Hoodia Gordonii In !Khob !Naub Conservancy, Namibia, Africa

ABSTRACT

It is envisaged that population numbers of the species Hoodia gordonii will decline rapidly because of its commercial potential. To ensure that genetic materials are not lost due to lack of information, the research was conducted in order to examine the translocation potential of Hoodia gordonii, by assessing various factors affecting its initial establishment and survival. The study was carried out in the !Khob !Naub conservancy, located in the southern arid region of Namibia. Local seeds from the conservancy were germinated and seedlings translocated into the natural environment. A total of 320 seedlings were transplanted in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial plot with shade, water and protection against predation as factors. The treatment combinations (shade, water and protection against predation each at two levels, present or absent) were applied to two different age groups. The study found that due to adaptation of the species and harsh environmental conditions in which it occurs, a combination of factors were required for the seedlings to survive and establish. Neither shade nor water prevented mortality resulting from predation. However their effect promoted plant vitality and growth due to their role in preventing abiotic stress (moisture loss, high temperature, evaporation, heat, and radiation). While protection against predation played an important role in the prevention of predation (biotic pressure), its role in plant vitality and growth was minimal.