The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.), also known as "tree of life", is widely distributed across the Coastal Zone in Benin, where its cultivation is most important. Using participatory research appraisal tools and techniques, a survey was conducted in this zone to assess the diversity of coconut ecotypes, associated endogenous knowledge and their utilization. Nineteen villages randomly selected, and comprising seven ethnic groups were surveyed. Ten different vernacular names were recorded across the study sites. The local diversity is very low. In particular, the number of ecotypes varied from 1 to 5. Moreover, recorded ecotypes were grouped in three categories including the tall ecotype known as endogenous ecotype, dwarf ecotypes known as introduced ecotypes and medium-sized ecotypes resulting from the crossing between the first two. The most important preference criteria used by producers were productivity (43%) followed by sweet taste (33%) and quantity of water (33%). Apart from being used for food, the species is also used for construction, traditional medicine, and traditional ceremonies. This study provides important information on the genetic resources of coconut palm while highlighting the socio-economic importance of the species in the Coastal Zone of Benin.
Coconut water is highly consumed for refreshment due to its nutritional value. However, its nutritional value varies according to the ecotype and stage of maturity of ecotype. In order to identify best ecotypes with high nutritious value, a physico-chemical composition of ten (10) ecotypes was performed at earlier stage of maturity (3 months). The measured parameters were: coconut height, mass of water, total sugar content, soluble sugar content, protein, titratable acidity and pH. The obtained results showed that all parameters vary from one ecotype to another. All coconut ecotypes contain water slightly acid with a pH value less than 7. Furthermore, there is no relationship between physical and biochemical parameters. However, within characterized ecotypes, Ecotype_2, appeared to have the best biochemical composition with a significant amount of water. This study provided important informations related to physico-chemical characteristics of coconuts ecotypes found in the coastal zone.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.