Kapuhka et al., Germplasm Selection in Private Tree Nurseries: A Case Study of Western Kenya 16 Journal of Agriculture, Pure and Applied Science and Technology ISSN 2073-8749 Printed by Moi University Press © 2009 J. agric. pure appl. sci. technol. www.japast.scriptmania.com Germplasm Selection in Private Tree Nurseries: A Case Study of Western Kenya Kapuhka Martha a , Koech, Eric Kipyegon b* and Kireger, Eliud Kiplimo c a Department of Forestry, Chepkoilel Campus, Moi University, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya. b Department of Forestry, Chepkoilel Campus, Moi University, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya; E. Mail: erickipyegon@yahoo.com c Department of Forestry, Chepkoilel Campus, Moi University, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya. * Author for correspondence and reprint requests J. agric. pure appl. sci. technol. 5, 15- 21 (2010); received November 20, 2009/April 17, 2010 The study to determine source of tree germplasm was carried out in Bungoma District, Western Kenya. Private tree nursery operators were identified through a reconnaissance survey: They were then subdivided based on the Agro-ecological zones. A random sample proportional to size was then drawn from the tree nurseries identified in each zone. The sampled private tree nursery operators were then interviewed using a questionnaire .The data obtained was then subjected to analysis using the SPSS package. The results indicated that only about 10% of the operators used germplasm from certified sources, most tree nursery operators (82% ) obtained germplasm from their farms, more than 70% of the selection was based on characteristics such as stem form, attractiveness of the trees, growth rate, fruit quality, resistance to pests and diseases, ecological zone and maturity. However, less than 5% took into consideration other characteristics such as shading of leaves and flowers, wood quality, fruit size, resistance to wind damage, scent produced by the trees, ability to flower and hold flower to fruit production stage, compatibility with crop and harboring of caterpillars and other harmful pests. More than 85% of the tree nursery operators did not take into consideration the number of mother trees, distance between mother trees and the appearance of trees near the mother tree in selecting germplasm sources. Germplasm were collected from single tree sources. It was found that most germplasm was collected locally, without any regard to genetic quality. This has resulted in production of poor seedlings of the subsequent generations. It is concluded that small-scale tree nurseries and their managers had an important role in ensuring sustainable development of rural communities in Bungoma district. It is essential that they obtain access to the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to maintain and enhance their capacity to produce seedlings which form an integral part of the local agroforestry systems. Key words: Germplasm, selection, Genetic quality, Agroforestry and Phenotype