Abstract

C. Wekesa, P. Makenzi , B. N. Chikamai , J. K. Lelon , A. M. Luvanda and M. Muga

A comparative study was conducted at four locations namely Ngare Ndare, Daaba, Kulamawe and Ntumburi to assess gum arabic yield per tree per picking for different varieties of natural stands Acacia senegal (var. kerensis; var. senegal and var. leiorhachis) in Kenyan drylands for a period of five months. Sample plots measuring 1 hectare were established, one at each study site. Trees in each sample plot were measured for basal diameter and classified into three diameter classes (3.0 - 6.0, 6.1 - 9.0 and 9.0 cm). 10 trees from each diameter class were tapped while another 10 trees left untapped. Data collected was analyzed using Genstat version 10.0. Results showed that there was a significant difference in gum arabic yield (p6.0 cm for A. senegal varieties senegal and leiorhachis (p<0.001) . These findings in the present study can be used for predicting yield in relation to the variety and site.