Three decades of research efforts on the uses, conservation, and management of Cola nitida (Vent.): State of knowledge and prospects in Africa

In the Ethiopian highlands, lack of the availability of multipurpose tree species is a major problem challenging the livelihoods of the local farmers. For example, the shortage of multipurpose trees in such areas has caused huge amount of soil erosion, land degradation and ultimately led to poor agricultural production. In addition, local farmers have little experience in planting multipurpose tree species and there was little species choice for fodder, fuelwood and soil rehabilitation purposes. Even though there are some efforts made in the past to introduce multipurpose tree species in the highland areas, there are only a few species adopted by the local farmers. The aim of this study was to select the best multipurpose tree species that help improve agriculture productions in the mid land areas found in North Shewa Administrative Zone, Ethiopia. Accordingly, eight multipurpose tree and shrub species namely:Albizia chinensis, Desmanthus virgatus, Caliandra houstunian, Genistamon spossulana, Femingia macrophyla, Robinia pseudoacacia, Leuceana diversifolia, and Medica goarboria were included in this study. Randomly Completely Block Design (RCBD) was employed with three replication and sixteen plants were planted in each plot. The experiment was done for six years. The results suggested that Leuceana diversifolia, Albizia chinensis, Genistamon spossulana, Femingia macrophyla and Desmanthus virgatus showed better growth and height performance. On the other hand, Medica goarboria, Caliandra houstunian and Robinia pseudoacacia had poor height and growth performance. The crude protein content of Albizia chinensis, Desmanthus virgatus, Caliandra houstunian and Leuceana diversifolia ranged between 18.02 and 19.69 percent which is important to fulfill the dietary requirements for dairy cows. The highest leaf biomass production was obtained from L. diversifolia (3644 kg/ha).Whereas, C. houstunia gave the least leaf biomass. L. diversifolia trees increased soil pH and organic carbon significantly under soil depth of (0-15cm). Desmanthus virgatus has highest Phosphorus uptake at 15-30 depth of soil. The conclusion from this study is that multipurpose tree and shrub species can be used for supplements for livestock feed in north Shewa condition. In addition, these multipurpose species can help to improve soil conditions especially in degraded areas where soil condition is poor.

Abstract. Ouattara Y, Koffi KG, Séry DJ-M, Saraka DM, Pokou ND, Gba KKM, Bonsson B, Akaffou DS, Sié RS. 2022. Genetic diversity and structure of kola tree (Cola nitida) clones germplasm in Côte d’Ivoire using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism markers. Biodiversitas 23: 4677-4685. The kola nut comes from the cola tree (Cola nitida [Vent.] Schott & Endl.), a product of economic interest to Côte d’Ivoire. The country is the leading producer and exporter. However, much of its collection has been destroyed due to urbanization and deforestation. This has resulted in the loss of much of its genetic diversity. This study aimed to determine genetic diversity and structure of C. nitida in Côte d’Ivoire using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs) markers. Thirty clones from Côte d’Ivoire (14 clones) and Nigeria (16 clones) cultivated in CNRA (Centre National de Recherche Agronomique) were analyzed using 145 SNPs. GBS (Genotyping by Sequencing) technique was used for the genotyping. The results confirmed the existence of both origins (Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria) by analyzing clones’ genetic structure and the principal coordinate analysis. The genetic diversity obtained was higher within origins than among origins. The two origins showed moderate differentiation (FST = 0.11) and the genetic distance was 0.46. The 30 clones were subdivided into six subgroups partially overlapping the geographical origins. Genetic differentiation among subgroups was moderate to very strong (FST ranging from 0.10 to 0.26). Four clones from Nigeria were close to those from Côte d’Ivoire. This genetic structuring highlights the possibilities for genetic improvement of kola trees in Côte d’Ivoire.

Phelipanche aegyptiaca is one of the most noxious parasitic weedy broomrapes in Xinjiang, China. Understanding its morphological polymorphism and genetic diversity can support effective control strategies. This study investigated the morphological and genetic diversity among and within populations from different geographical regions and host species across Xinjiang to characterize their relationships. Thirteen ISSR primers were used, resulting in 173 clear bands, 172 of which (99%) were polymorphic. Significant genetic variations were observed within regional and host groups, while variation among groups was relatively low. Gene flow was frequent, with a significant correlation of 1.57 between geographic regions and 5.57 between host species groups. Morphological traits exhibited substantial variability, with diverse coefficients ranging from 16% to 50%. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that samples primarily clustered by region, not by host species. There was a significant correlation between morphological and genetic diversity across geographical groups. The findings suggest that genetic and morphological diversity are key factors in the expansion of P. aegyptiaca's host-range and its spread. Morphological diversity appears to result from the interaction between genetic variation and environmental factors. This study offers new insights into the adaptation and evolution of P. aegyptiaca in relation to its genetic, morphological diversity and dissemination. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Multi-purpose tree species contribute towards the livelihoods of people in rural communities. Bark, roots, fruits and seeds of several South African indigenous tree species are harvested to use as medicines, food and/or beverages. The woody parts of the same trees are often also used as firewood or building material, or for the production of carved household products. Many South African tree species have specific habitat requirements that limit their distribution, and several also have low reproduction and growth rates. South Africa has 44 indigenous tree species that are protected by law. South Africa's environmental legislation prohibits the harvesting of protected plants or plant parts, however, legislation merely slowed down the rate of increase in exploitation without providing a sustainable solution. The management of indigenous tree species in their natural habitats is essential, however, the cultivation of culturally important protected multi-purpose tree species should also be promoted considering that multi-purpose tree species are more vulnerable to extinction than single-use tree species. This review therefore discusses the ethnobotanical uses, management and the cultivation possibilities/methods of selected indigenous protected multi-purpose South African tree species. The review further provides pharmacological and toxicological reports of the selected species. The selection criteria included the tree species' multiple uses, its protected status, its conservation status and its cultural importance as a medicine. One single-use protected indigenous tree species, Warburgia salutaris, is included in this review due its cultural importance as a medicine.

Sustainable use of Genetic Diversity in Forage and Turf Breeding

A review on the indigenous multipurpose agroforestry tree species in Ethiopia: management, their productive and service roles and constraints

SUMMARY This review aims to summarize some of the studies in the agroforestry systems of Costa Rica from the 1970s to date. From the 1970s to the mid 1980s, agroforestry systems were characterized by a dominance of the association of indigenous trees from natural regeneration with coffee, cacao, and pastures. However, in the mid-1980s, a number of trials with native species started in Costa Rica, which identified several promising species for reforestation or agroforestry (i.e., Vochysia ferruginea, V. guatemalensis, Terminalia amazonia, Hyeronima alchorneoides, and others). In the 1990s to date, there has been a diversification in the types of agroforestry systems used, and an increase in research on these systems (i.e., taungya, improved fallows, multipurpose trees in pastures, alley cropping, and home gardens). Current research not only focuses on the benefits of trees to the systems, but it also studies the proper combinations of crops-trees to attain more profitable yields and to avoid risk, and highlights the environmental services provided by the systems.

Multipurpose tree species are recognized as an important fodder source for livestock, but their potential remains untapped due to dearth of knowledge about their nutritive value. Therefore, 15 MPTs, i.e., Acacia catechu, Albizia chinensis, Bauhinia variegata, Celtis australis, Ficus roxburghii, Grewia optiva, Leucaena leucocephala, Melia composita, Morus serrata, Olea glandulifera, Ougienia oojeinensis, Pittosporum floribundum, Quercus glauca, Q. leucotrichophora and Salix tetrasperma were evaluated for nutritional characteristics, relative nutritive value index (RNVI), palatability index and farmers’ preference on a seasonal basis in north-western Himalayas mid-hills. Most of the nutritive and mineral content decreased as leaves matured with the exception of ether extract, calcium, copper, organic matter and carbohydrate content, while cell-wall constituents and anti-nutritional contents increased. Overall, M. serrata had the highest RNVI in spring and summer, while G. optiva during autumn and winter. Similarly, L. leucocephala had the highest palatability (97.86%), while M. composita (38.47%) had the lowest one. Additionally, G. optiva was the most favored MPT for livestock among farmers, while M. composita was the least ones. The outcome of the study will help policy makers, planners and farm managers in establishing large scale plantations of highly nutritious and palatable species, like G. optiva, L. leucocephala, B. variegata, and M. serrata for year-round supply of green leaves and as a supplement to low-quality feed.

Multipurpose tree species are recognized as an important fodder source for livestock, but their potential remains untapped due to dearth of knowledge about their nutritive value. Therefore, 15 MPTs, i.e., Acacia catechu, Albizia chinensis, Bauhinia variegata, Celtis australis, Ficus roxburghii, Grewia optiva, Leucaena leucocephala, Melia composita, Morus serrata, Olea glandulifera, Ougienia oojeinensis, Pittosporum floribundum, Quercus glauca, Q. leucotrichophora and Salix tetrasperma were evaluated for nutritional characteristics, relative nutritive value index (RNVI), palatability index and farmers' preference on a seasonal basis in north-western Himalayas mid-hills. Most of the nutritive and mineral content decreased as leaves matured with the exception of ether extract, calcium, copper, organic matter and carbohydrate content, while cell-wall constituents and anti-nutritional contents increased. Overall, M. serrata had the highest RNVI in spring and summer, while G. optiva during autumn and winter. Similarly, L. leucocephala had the highest palatability (97.86%), while M. composita (38.47%) had the lowest one. Additionally, G. optiva was the most favored MPT for livestock among farmers, while M. composita was the least ones. The outcome of the study will help policy makers, planners and farm managers in establishing large scale plantations of highly nutritious and palatable species, like G. optiva, L. leucocephala, B. variegata, and M. serrata for year-round supply of green leaves and as a supplement to low-quality feed.

The Multi-purpose Tree (MPT) species have the ability to fit into the farming systems of the East African region where low agricultural productivity, widespread land degradation and hence a diminishing capacity to support the growing human and livestock population are major problems. GIS has been used to develop a spatial representation of the recommendation domains of five MPT species (Calliandra calothyrsus, Sesbania sesban, Leucaena diversifolia, L. pallida and Chamaecytisus palmensis) in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. The recommendation domains were selected based on climatic, edaphic and topographic factors. The likelihood of adoption, within the agro-ecologically suitable areas for each species, has been defined by weighing and combining three factors: the type of land cover/land use, the human and cattle population densities.

Background and aims – We developed a new set of nuclear microsatellite markers for Cola acuminata (Malvaceae), an important African food tree species commonly known as the kola nut. Probably originating from the tropical rainforests of the Congo Basin, C. acuminata is widely cultivated in the humid savannahs of the region where its nuts are sold throughout Central and West Africa for their stimulant properties. Nuclear microsatellite markers (SSRs) are well suited for assessing the genetic diversity and population structure of plant species due to their high variability. Material and methods – Leaf samples were collected from 84 C. acuminata cultivated individuals across three sites in Cameroon, two in the savannah zone, one in the forest zone. SSR markers were developed by sequencing genomic DNA from two individuals using an Illumina HiSeq platform. Genetic diversity was assessed based on 14 SSR markers genotyped in 84 individuals, and marker transferability to the closely related species Cola nitida was tested. Key results – Forty-eight new microsatellite loci were developed, of which 14 were polymorphic in C. acuminata. The results demonstrated a high level of genetic diversity with the presence of two to 33 alleles per locus (with an average of 14.14) across the three sites. The transferability of these markers was confirmed with 13 out of the 14 SSRs successfully amplifying in the closely related species, Cola nitida. Conclusion – These newly developed SSRs will be useful for assessing genetic diversity, genetic differentiation, and gene flow patterns of C. acuminata in the tropical forests of Central Africa. Preliminary results suggest genetic similarity between the two savannah sites. However, these two sites were significantly differentiated from the site in the forest zone. This suggests that the propagation material introduced in the savannah zone did not originate from the forest in southern Cameroon.

There are three major mollusc collections in South Africa and seven smaller, thematic collections. The KwaZulu-Natal Museum holds one of the largest collections in the southern hemisphere. Its strengths are marine molluscs of southern Africa and the southwestern Indian Ocean, and terrestrial molluscs of South Africa. Research on marine molluscs has led to revisionary papers across a wide range of gastropod families. The Iziko South African Museum contains the most comprehensive collections of Cephalopoda (octopus, squid and relatives) and Polyplacophora (chitons) for southern Africa. The East London Museum is a provincial museum of the Eastern Cape. Recent research focuses on terrestrial molluscs and the collection is growing to address the gap in knowledge of this element of biodiversity. Mollusc collections in South Africa date to about 1900 and are an invaluable resource of morphological and genetic diversity, with associated spatial and temporal data. The South African National Biodiversity Institute is encouraging discovery and documentation to address gaps in knowledge, particularly of invertebrates. Museums are supported with grants for surveys, systematic studies and data mobilisation. The Department of Science and Innovation is investing in collections as irreplaceable research infrastructure through the Natural Science Collections Facility, whereby 16 institutions, including those holding mollusc collections, are assisted to achieve common targets and coordinated outputs.Significance: Mollusc collections are among the oldest natural science collections in South Africa, dating from just before 1900. They provide an invaluable resource of morphological and genetic diversity, with associated spatial and temporal data. They are spread across the country in three comprehensive and seven smaller, thematic collections and this paper puts together available information about these scattered and diverse collections. Each has its own strengths and specialisations, and together they cater to a variety of the country’s identified research priorities. Although staff complements are small, mollusc collections are well curated and conserved, expanding, actively researched and associated data are available online or on request.

Introduction. The red kapok tree, Bombax costatum is a tree species native to West Africa. Most of its organs or plant parts are of medicinal, food, and economic importance. Literature. The species is widely used for food and medicinal purposes and as timber. Yet B. costatum is poorly studied and declining across its distribution range. So far, little has been achieved on this species’conservation status, genetic diversity, breeding and domestication. With the aim of synthesizing current knowledge and gaps, and suggesting future research, articles were searched in Google Scholar and Web of Science databases with relevant keywords on B. costatum. All articles found were critically read and analyzed for inclusion in the present review. Conclusions. The current state of knowledge on taxonomy, distribution, ecology, botanical description, structural characteristics, uses, nutritional and phytochemical properties, socioeconomic importance, propagation, growth and development, threats and conservation of B. costatum have been reviewed. Knowledge gaps were identified and research and development avenues were suggested and discussed for conservation of this species.

Kola (Cola nitida) is an important economic cash crop for many West and Central African countries. It has several medicinal uses in the pharmaceutical industries and also plays a major role in traditional marriages among Islamic communities across West and Central Africa. The crop is extensively cultivated in Nigeria and Ghana. However, it exhibit signs of total and partial sterility as well as self incompatibility when propagated from seeds in most cases. Therefore, grafting is seen as a method of choice in addressing the problem stated above. Though grafting accounts for some degree of success, there is the need to assess genotypic and physiological factors that account for high or low grafting success. Genetic and physiological factors (such as rootstock age) affecting grafting success and growth in kola (C. nitida) were investigated in two separate experiments. In experiment I720 kola seedlings were raised from unselected kola nuts and sown at two monthly intervals. Four groups of seedlings (180/group) i.e. 6, 8, 10 and 12 months old were thus produced. Three different scions (A1, A12 and JB1) measuring (5-10 cm) were grafted onto the four age groups of rootstocks, namely, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months. Experiment II consisted of 540 seedlings raised from three main crosses (JX1/9 × JX1/11 * B1/142 × B1/151, JX1/9 × JX1/11 * B2/177 × B2/156 and JX1/9 × JX1/11 * GX1/46 × GX1/53). Grafting was done after six months using the same set of scions as described in experiment I. Experimental design used was 3 × 4 and 3 × 3 factorial designs in completely randomised design with three replicates for experiment I and II respectively. The fixed effects were the different genotype and age of rootstock at grafting whilst the response variable was the percentage of successful grafting two months as well as growth at six monthly intervals. Results from the study showed that grafting onto 6 months old stocks gave the highest percentage success and growth of grafts followed by 8, 10 and 12 months old rootstock in that order in both trial years. The study revealed also a significant rootstock and scion interaction (P < 0.05). We conclude that successful grafting in kola depends on rootstock genotype such as JX1/9 × JX1/11 * GX1/46 × GX1/53 and has been proven suitable for use in future kola propagation studies. Nonetheless, suitable rootstock with high grafting success does not translate into vigorous scion growth.

Agroforestry Systems (AFS) are integrated land use systems involving trees, agricultural crops, and animals simultaneously or sequentially, with the objective of sustainably increasing their total productivity per unit area. Despite strong literature evidence describing the benefits of agroforestry to livelihoods in other parts of the world, there is little information as such in Soin Ward of Kericho County, where sugarcane competes with tea as a major cash crop. This study aimed at classifying agroforestry systems and evaluating their socio-economic benefits in Soin Ward, Kericho County, Kenya. The study adopted a qualitative research design through the administration of pretested questionnaires on types of agroforestry systems, the scale of production, land utilisation, preference of trees and sugar cane varieties and their interactions with 384 respondents in lower, upper, and midland parts of Soin Ward. Four (4) classes of agroforestry systems were identified that comprised (48.2% agrosilvopastoral, 31.6% agrosilvicultural, and 20.2% silvopastoral); (16.2% protective and 83.8% productive); (45.7% subsistence and 54.3% commercial), and integrated farm-based agroforestry 47.4%, homestead (6.8%), animal farm (31.4%), dairy farm (1.4%), and forest land (13%) respectively. The majority of the respondents (42.7%) preferred Grevillea tree species for blending with sugarcane in a tree-sugarcane agroforestry system in comparison with cypress (29.4%), eucalyptus (15.1%), casuarina (12.6%), and calliandra (0.2%) respectively. Sixty (61.7%) plant trees along the boundary, 24% as woodlot, hedge raw (8.9%), intercropping/mixed (3.1%), and alley cropping (2.3%). Direct benefits from the identified agroforestry systems include; income (67.6%), food (8.3%), and employment (24.1%). Indirect benefits include provision of biofuel (21.9%), enhanced soil fertility (21.1%), bio drainage (20.4%), biodiversity conservation (19.4%), carbon absorption (17.2%), improvement of social amenities such as roads (27.2%), markets (25.8%), hospitals (19.3%), schools (18.5% and electricity (9.2%).Constraints faced by the agroforestry systems include; long waiting payback (39.2%), limited possibilities to sell products (28.3%), labour intensive (27.8%), and knowledge and technology gap (4.7%). Such results are useful for policy-making decisions towards afforestation and improved livelihoods in Kenya