Morphological characterization of shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa) populations in the region of Mandoul in Chad

Abstract

Quantitative characteristics of leaf, fruit and nut collected from Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa growing in Kol, Kemkian and Matekaga located in the region of Mandoul of Southern Chad were analyzed. Our results reveal variation of the measured morphological parameters. The smallest lamina length (15.5 cm) was found in Kol and the longest (26.3 cm) in Matekaga. The biggest lamina width (5.4 cm) and nut length (3.8 cm) were found in Kol. Using the correlation matrix data, our investigations revealed that lamina length and peduncle length were correlated with 92%. Fruit width was correlated with peduncle length and fruit length with 52 and 83%, respectively. Nut length was correlated with peduncle length, fruit length and fruit width with 55, 78 and 77%, respectively. In contrast, nut length was correlated with fruit length, fruit width and nut length with 68, 78 and 87%, respectively. The dendrograms analyses revealed the existence of four groups within and between sites instead of the six ethno-varieties described by folk classification. These findings raise the need to use molecular markers to unravel the underlying variation for use in selection and genetic improvement of shea tree.

Variabilité des caractères morphologiques des plantules de cinq ethno-variétés de karité (<i>Vitellaria paradoxa</i> C.F. Gaertn, Sapotaceae) au Burkina Faso

“…(Diallo et al, 2010), Jatropha curcas (Ly et al, 2014) et trois espèces de Chênes du genre Quercus (Sarir et Benmahioul, 2017). D'importantes variabilités avaient été également trouvées au niveau des arbres adultes du karité par Djekota et al (2014) au Tchad, Souberou et al (2015) au Benin et Sandwidi et al (2018a) au Burkina Faso dans un essai de provenances. De plus, des travaux sur les caractères morphologiques (feuilles et capsules) d'autres espèces adultes comme Adansonia digitata L. (Assogbadjo et al, 2006) ont montré des résultats similaires.…”

Agro-morphological variability of shea populations (Vitellaria paradoxa CF Gaertn) in the Township of Bassila, Benin Republic

“…Many studies have shown the existence of a high intra-specific variation (Chevalier 1943;Ruyssen 1957) among shea trees. Many authors have also shown a phenotypic variation and a correlation between its different physical properties Lovett and Haq (2004) in Ghana, Sanou et al (2006) in Mali, Diarrassouba et al (2007) and Djekota et al (2014) in Chad. Therefore, a study on the shea diversity is necessary for a good conservation, good management and a selection of the best genetic resources of this tree species.…”

“…5000 km long, 500 to 700 km wide between 600 and 1500 mm isohyets (Hemsley, 1968;Boukoungou, 1987;Salle et al, 1991;Hall et al, 1996). Two subspecies have been identified presently (Djekota et al, 2014), V. paradoxa subsp. paradoxa is found in West and Central Africa (Salle et al, 1991;Fontaine et al, 2004;Sanou et al, 2005;Allal et al, 2008;Nyarko et al, 2012 while V. paradoxa subsp.…”

“…paradoxa is found in West and Central Africa (Salle et al, 1991;Fontaine et al, 2004;Sanou et al, 2005;Allal et al, 2008;Nyarko et al, 2012 while V. paradoxa subsp. nilotica is common in East Africa Byakagaba et al, 2011;Okiror et al, 2012;Gwali et al, 2011;Djekota et al, 2014). In the collection area in Benin, the species while enjoying the full protection of the forestry legislation is also saved by farmers during agricultural clearings.…”

“…This oil is also used in the manufacture of cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. It is also used in traditional and social rituals such as marriages, funerals, coronations and rainmaking (Hall et al, 1996;Ferris et al, 2004;Moore, 2008;Gwali et al, 2012;Djekota et al, 2014). The wood of the shea butter tree is used for charcoal, mortar and pestle, furniture and construction, and the latex for glue making (Lovett and Haq, 2000a).…”