GUM ARABIC PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF NATURALLY GROWING ACACIA SENEGAL VARIETIES IN KENYAN DRYLANDS

This study was undertaken between 2008 and 2010 to assess annual gum production potential per tree for different varieties of Acacia senegal (var. kerensis; var. senegal and var. leiorhachis) growing naturally in Kenyan drylands. Eight sample plots of 1.0 hectare were established, one at each site. All trees in each sample plot were measured for basal diameter and classified into three diameter size classes (3.0-6.0 cm, 6.1-9.0 cm and > 9.0 cm). Ten trees from each diameter class were selected for tapping while another ten trees left untapped as control. Results indicate that gum yield by different varieties of A. senegal varied with basal diameter (BD) size classes. A. senegal var. senegal yielded high quantities of gum compared to the other two varieties. Tapping increased yield by 47.1%, 91.8% and 85.7% for trees in diameter classes 3.0-6.0cm, 6.1-9.0cm and >9.0 cm respectively. On average, tapping increased gum production by 74.9%. These results can be used for estimating gum yield potential of naturally growing A. senegal in relation to the variety, tree size and site conditions. Besides, the upshot of these findings offers new management guidelines that can improve gum production through tapping for the economic, social and environmental benefits of local communities living in the drylands of Kenya