Distribution and germination of wild and cultivated Ensete ventricosum in Ethiopia

Enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) is a traditional staple crop that is economically significant for over 20 million people in the central, southern and southwestern regions of Ethiopia. This study provided updated information on where wild and cultivated enset grow and how well their seeds can germinate. Purposively, six study sites were selected based on factors that affect the socioeconomic significance, diversity, and distribution of enset. Data gathered included socioeconomic values, types of landraces, seeds, and conservation status for each site. Different methods were used for testing enset seed germination in the lab. The analysis of data was done using Microsoft Excel and SPSS, and the relationship between diversity, distribution, and environmental factors was examined using correlation and linear regression. The general distribution pattern of wild enset was most frequent in Sheka zone compared to other study sites. The number of individuals in each sample population was also seen to increase with increasing altitudinal rang. The germination date varied from 7 to 30 days. Out of 170 enset seeds tested for germination, eighteen of them efficiently germinated and the suckers have been numbered, tagged and transplanted to soil. There were several factors that threatened the sustainability of enset, such as changing environmental temperatures, societal perceptions, and increased population pressure attributing to soil degradation. Since genetic diversity remains to be vital for current and future needs of humankind, there should be a concerted effort towards the safeguarding of wild enset in the country.