Variation in Seedling Density, Herbivory and Disease Incidence among Seedling Stages and Mother Prunus Africana Trees Growing on Varying Microsites in a Transitional Rainforest in Kenya

Abstract

The study was carried out at Kakamega Forest which is generally considered to be the easternmost limit in today’s climate of the lowland Guineo Congolean rainforest of central Africa. Faunally and florally, Kakamega is dominated by central African lowland species, but due to its elevation (1,400-2,300 meters (4,000-7,000 ft.) and proximity to the formerly contiguous Nandi Forests it also contains well-represented highland elements and is thus unique, thus, it is a significant island of biodiversity that has developed along its own unique evolutionary course for thousands of years and which shows a high level of endemism. The objective of the study was to determine how herbivory and disease incidence vary among seedling stages and trees growing in varying micro sites. The study began at the end of the fruiting season and start of germination of seeds. A natural stand was identified where Prunus africana was abundant because the species density. The results indicated that seedling abundance, disease incidence and herbivory varied among trees and microsites.