Baobab Fruits Research Articles

Application of computer vision and machine learning in morphological characterization of Adansonia digitata fruits

Measuring fruit mass and volume is a time-consuming and tedious task that can affect production planning. This study developed a computer vision system to estimate the volume and mass of baobab fruits from single-view images captured from inexpensive and readily available cameras such as those in smartphones. The baobab fruits were collected from two study fields within the savanna ecological zone. Their images were captured, and subsequently, they were detected and segmented with over 97 % accuracy. The segmented images were binarized, and two-dimensional (2D) features such as the segmented area, centroid, bounding box, equivalent diameter, and major diameter were extracted from them. The volumes of the fruits were estimated from the 2D features using random forest, linear, polynomial, and radial support vector machine models. All the models achieved high goodness of fit; however, the random forest model delivered the best performance, with an R2 value of 99.8 %. The relationship between mass and volume was a quadratic equation (mass = 38.23 + 0.25 × volume + 4.49e−05 × volume2) and had an R2 value of 92 %. Correlations were validated via plots and statistical tests, and credible intervals of point estimates were determined from the posterior distributions of their samples. This highlights the potential of artificial intelligence methods to be applied in a less constrained environmental setting for ecological research and agricultural management. Commercial companies producing baobab powder and seed oil should apply these models for effective production planning. To enhance the model, it would be beneficial to gain a better understanding of how climate gradients affect the morphological characteristics of baobab fruits.

Chemical Characterization Analysis, Antioxidants, and Anti-Diabetic Activity of Two Novel Acidic Water-Soluble Polysaccharides Isolated from Baobab Fruits.

This study explores the isolation and characterization of two acidic polysaccharides from baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruits, named ADPs40-F3 and ADPs60-F3; the two types of acidic polysaccharides exhibited high sugar content and chemical structural features characterized by O-H, C-H, carbonyl C=O, and COOH carboxyl functional groups. The two fractions showed molecular weights of 1.66 × 105 and 9.59 × 104 Da. ADPs40-F3 residues consist of arabinose (2.80%), galactose (0.91%), glucose (3.60%), xylose (34.70%), and galacturonic acid (58.10%). On the other hand, ADPs60-F3 is composed of rhamnose (1.50%), arabinose (5.50%), galactose (2.50%), glucose (3.10%), xylose (26.00%), and galacturonic acid (61.40%). Furthermore, NMR analysis showed that the main acidic structures of ADPs40-F3 and ADPs60-F3 are formed by 4,6)-α-d-GalpA-(1→, →4)-β-d-Xylf-(1→, →4,6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, →4,6)-α-d-Galp-(1→ residues and 4)-α-d-GalpA-(1→, →4)-β-d-Xylf-(1→, →6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→ 4,6)-α-d-Galp-(4,6→, →2)-α-Rhap- residues, respectively, based on the observed signals. Antioxidant assays against DPPH, ABTS+, and FRAP revealed significant antioxidant activities for ADPs40-F3 and ADPs60-F3, comparable to ascorbic acid (VC). Additionally, both polysaccharides exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities, suggesting potential anti-diabetic properties. In vivo evaluation demonstrated that ADPs60-F3 significantly reduced blood glucose levels, indicating promising therapeutic effects. These findings underscore the potential utility of baobab fruit polysaccharides as natural antioxidants and anti-diabetic agents.

Baobab trees population and economic contribution: Stems density, asset value and fruits value chains in Kilolo and Iringa Urban districts, Tanzania

The contribution of non-timber forest products to the economy is ignored and often undervalued due to their subsistence nature. The study focused on baobab trees aiming to understand the baobab population, its asset value across various land uses, and the contribution of baobab fruits to the economy. Kilolo District and Iringa Urban District were purposively selected due to the availability of baobab trees and activities involving baobab fruit businesses in the districts. A stratified random sampling was done to select four land uses, in particular, settlement land, farmland, grazing land, and village forest reserve land for a biophysical survey. Besides, a socio-economic survey was conducted employing key informants’ interviews, market and household surveys to collect data for the assessment of baobab fruit value chains. A total of 91 respondents were interviewed, specifically, 44 harvesters, 1 village wholesaler, 2 middlemen, 2 village retailers, 6 processors 22 urban retailers, and 13 baobab fruits consumers. The study observed 5.27±0.39 stems/ha of baobab trees in grazing land, farmland (3.88±0.73stem/ha), village forest reserve land (2.68±0.17stem/land), and settlement land (2.27±0.31 stem/ha). Also, the total biological asset value of baobab trees was highest in farmland (29.87±9.04 USD/ha) and lowest in settlement land (12.36±2.82 USD/ha). Total chain value added was highest for the baobab fruits value chain involving village wholesalers (1.17 USD/Kg) and lowest for the baobab fruits value chain involving village retailers (0.27 USD/Kg) because of limited value-adding activities in the latter chain. Limited access to market information, low prices, poor storage facilities, lack of capital, poor processing facilities, and seasonal availability of baobab fruits were challenges facing baobab fruits value chain actors. The study concludes that the population of baobab trees differs between land uses implying the potential threats to its existence, and the need for desirable strategies for its conservation and management. So far, baobab is only harvested from self-growing trees, so the study proposes domestication and commercialization of the tree species to raise communities' contribution to the economy.

Distribution and population status of Adansonia digitata L. (baobab) and its contribution to livelihood in Makueni County, Kenya

Adansonia digitata L. commonly known as baobab is a globally known high valued multipurpose tree. The current study was designed to map the distribution and determine the effects of different land use systems (cropland, grazing land and settlement area) on the species population density, composition, health and productivity in Makueni County. Livelihood potential of baobab in the studied area was also assessed. Two sub counties; Kibwezi East and West in Makueni County where baobab populations occur were purposely selected for this study. A reconnaissance study was carried out followed by selection of three contrasting representative land use systems: Namely cropland, grazing land and settlement area/homesteads using Google Map through a desktop study. Plots of 0.5 km long and 0.25 km wide were used to assess the population and health status of baobab trees. Market centers and chiefs’ camps were randomly sampled for a household and market survey where a total of 423 informants were interviewed. Baobab growth characteristics across the three land use systems in the two sub counties as well as household and market data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism version 8.4.3. The waypoints were downloaded from the Garmin etrex 10 GPS handset into Arc Map 1.0 of Arc Geographic Information System (GIS) (ESRI, Redlands, CA) where the baobab distribution maps were generated. The findings revealed that the baobab populations occurred in clusters of high to low density. Density and fruit production of baobab trees were statistically different across the three land use systems in the two sub counties while height, DBH and crown diameter did not differ significantly. No saplings were found in the study area. The study revealed that there is a huge potential for baobab fruits in diet especially during food scarcity. Therefore, farmer training is advisable to augment local knowledge and skills for enhanced value addition of baobab products.

Microbial Contamination and Occurrence of Aflatoxins in Processed Baobab Products in Kenya.

Baobab fruit demand has been on the rise in the recent past, and in an attempt to match the demand, farmers and middlemen are forced to harvest immature fruits which are not fully dried. To ensure an acceptable moisture content, baobab fruits are subjected to solar drying, which is a slow process and often carried out in open and unhygienic conditions raising safety concerns. This study was conducted to investigate the microbial and aflatoxin contamination levels in ready-to-eat baobab products from selected formal and informal processors in specific counties of Kenya. Selected processed baobab products were sampled randomly from formal and informal processors and analyzed for the total aerobic count, Enterobacteriaceae, yeast and molds, ergosterol, aflatoxins, moisture, and water activity. The moisture and water activity of baobab pulp and candies from formal processors ranged between 7.73% and 15.06% and 0.532 and 0.740 compared to those from informal processors which ranged from 10.50% to 23.47% and 0.532 to 0.751, respectively. In this study, baobab pulp from formal processors had significantly (p = 0.0008, 0.0006) lower Enterobacteriaceae and yeast and molds loads (0.7 ± 0.29 and 3.1 ± 0.38 log 10 CFU/g, respectively) than pulp from informal processors (3.1 ± 0.70 and 5.3 ± 0.11 log 10 CFU/g, respectively). Similarly, the Enterobacteriaceae counts of candies from formal processors (nondetectable) were considerably lower (p = 0.015) than those from informal processors (1.8 ± 0.56 log 10 CFU/g). The ergosterol content in these baobab product samples ranged between 0.46 and 1.92 mg/100 g while the aflatoxin content ranged between 3.93 and 11.09 × 103 μg/kg, respectively. Fungal and aflatoxin contamination was detected in 25% and 5% of pulp from formal and informal processors, respectively, and in 5% of candies from informal processors. Microbial contamination in processed baobab products shows an unhygienic processing environment while the fungal and aflatoxin contamination may indicate poor postharvest handling, transport, and storage conditions of baobab fruits along the baobab value chain.

Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab Fruit) Effect on Postprandial Glycemia in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Baobab fruits have been traditionally used in Africa due to their therapeutic properties attributed to their high polyphenol content. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of baobab fruit on postprandial glycaemia in healthy adults and to measure its bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. The study (NCT05140629) was conducted on 31 healthy subjects. The participants were randomly allocated in the control group (oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); n = 16) and in the intervention group (OGTT, followed by administration of 250 mL baobab aqueous extract (BAE); n = 15). Total phenols, proanthocyanins, hydrolyzable tannins, and antioxidant activity (FRAP, DPPH, ABTS, and inhibition of O2•− and NO• methods) were quantified. Repeated measures ANOVA of mixed type and independent samples t-test were used. Glycemia incremental area under the curve (p = 0.012) and glucose maximum concentration (p = 0.029) was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group. The BAE revealed high total contents of phenols, proanthocyanins, and hydrolyzable tannins, as well as a strong capacity to scavenge superoxide anions and nitric oxide radicals and a high antioxidant activity. In conclusion, this study encourages the use of this food component as a promising source of natural antioxidants and a hypoglycemic agent under glucose load acute conditions.

Western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) access a nutritionally balanced, high energy, and abundant food, baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit, with extractive foraging and reingestion.

Intrinsic to several hypotheses explaining the evolution of foraging behavior complexity, such as proto-tool use, is the assumption that more complex ingestive behaviors are adaptations allowing individuals to access difficult to procure but nutritionally or energetically rewarding foods. However, nutritional approaches to understanding this complexity have been underutilized. The goal of this study was to evaluate potential nutritional determinants of two unusual foraging behaviors, fruit cracking with anvils and seed reingestion, by adult male western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) at Fongoli, Senegal during the baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit season. We examined these behaviors in relation to nutrient and energy intake, and compared macronutrient and energy concentrations found in baobab fruits to other plant foods. Adult males ingested at least 31 distinct foods from 23 plant species. Baobab fruit comprised the majority of daily energy intake (68 ± 34%, range: 0%-98%). The energetic concentration of baobab fruit varied by phenophase and part ingested, with ripe and semi-ripe fruit ranking high in energy return rate. Males preferred ripe and semi-ripe baobab fruit but unripe fruit intake was higher overall. The seed kernels were high in protein and fat relative to fruit pulp, and these kernels were easier to access during the unripe stage. During the ripe stage, seed kernels were accessible by reingestion, after the seed coat was softened during gut passage. In addition to providing macronutrients and energy, baobab fruit was a relatively abundant food source. We conclude that baobab pulp and seed are high quality foods at Fongoli during the baobab season because they are nutritionally balanced, high in energy, and relatively abundant in the environment. These nutritional and abundance characteristics may explain, in part, why these chimpanzees use anvils and reingestion to access a mechanically challenging food.

Metabolome-based profiling of African baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata L.) using a multiplex approach of MS and NMR techniques in relation to its biological activity.

Adansonia digitata L. also known as African baobab is one of the most important fruit-producing trees, widely distributed in the African continent. Baobab fruits are known to possess potential health benefits and nutritional value. This study aimed to holistically dissect the metabolome of A. digitata fruits using a novel comparative protocol using three different analytical platforms. Ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS), and headspace solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) were respectively employed for phytonutrients and aroma profiling, whereas GC-MS post silylation provided an overview of nutrients i.e., sugars. UHPLC-HRMS/MS analysis allowed for the assignment of 77 metabolites, among which 50% are reported for the first time in the fruit. While GC-MS of silylated and aroma compounds led to the identification of 74 and 16 compounds, respectively. Finally, NMR-based metabolite fingerprinting permitted the quantification of the major metabolites for future standardization. In parallel, in vivo antidiabetic potential of the baobab fruit using a streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model was assessed. Histopathological and immune-histochemical investigations revealed hepatoprotective and renoprotective effects of A. digitata fruit along with mitigation against diabetes complications. Moreover, the administration of A. digitata fruits (150 mg kg−1) twice a week lowered fasting blood glucose levels.

Accessibility, availability and consumption of baobab during food emergencies in Kitui and Kilifi counties in Kenya

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is an indigenous fruit tree (IFT) that grows in several dry parts of Kenya such as Kitui and Kilifi counties. It plays a key role in dietary diversification thus contributing to food and nutrition security. This tree is adaptable to adverse climatic conditions such as droughts and floods, which are common in these counties. Consequently, it acts as a source of income and a food buffer during disasters. This study evaluated the role baobab plays during food emergencies. The study employed a cross-sectional design where 216 household heads were interviewed through structured interviews. Data were analysed using SPSS version 24. Baobab was available during lean seasons and was used as a source of food and income. Respondents mainly consumed baobab fresh fruits without any processing (94%). During times of scarcity when there was nothing else available to eat. About 33.3% used baobab pulp to make porridge while 16.7% made a hard gruel (ugali). Drinks and candies, commonly called ‘mabuyu sweets’, accounted for 41.2% and 28.7%, respectively. In Kilifi, baobab pulp was mixed with coconut milk to be used as an accompaniment to ugali (34.3 %). About two thirds (60.7%) of the respondents collected and stored whole baobab fruits for use during lean seasons. Baobab pulp was sold by 34.7% of the respondents and the income was used to buy food (45.3 %), education (22.7%) and for healthcare (13. 3%). This study indicatesthat baobab fruit and pulp was available and accessible during lean seasons. The baobab pulp was mainly consumed without any processing as a snack. It also used to make different foods at times when many other foods were not available. Households sold baobab fruits to augment their income. Promotion of baobab products could bring better incomes and improve the nutritional status of communities in baobab growing areas and helps to overcome food insecurity in emergencies. Key words: lean seasons, baobab products, income, food insecurity, coping

Nutritional composition of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruit pulp sampled at different geographical locations in Kenya

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a multipurpose tree indigenous to the semi-arid and sub-humid zones of sub-Saharan Africa. Despite it’s multiple uses and valuable properties, information on its nutritional and phenotypic characteristics is rare, particularly in Eastern Africa. For the present study 64 baobab trees were sampled at six different locations of inland and coastal Kenya and the nutritional composition of 59 samples of fruit pulp was determined, including water, minerals, vitamin C and total acidity. The pulp of the studied baobab fruits is a valuable source of minerals and vitamins, particularly of vitamin C (mean 175 ± 62 mg/100 g edible portion on fresh weight basis (EP)), potassium (mean 1006 ± 280 mg/100 g (EP)) and calcium (mean 375 ± 93 mg/100 g EP). However, we found high tree-to-tree differences for all analyzed parameters with highest coefficients of variation detected for iron (47%), zinc (41%) and vitamin C (36%). Additionally we observed nutritional variations regarding iron, potassium, total acidity and pH value among the six locations. The results of this study will contribute to select superior baobab mother trees for future domestication programs and nutrition interventions and to promote the cultivation and use of baobab in Kenya.

Processed Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Food Products in Malawi: From Poor Men’s to Premium-Priced Specialty Food?

The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) is an important source of non-timber forest products in sub-Saharan Africa. Its fruits contain high amounts of vitamin C, calcium, and dietary fibre. In addition, other parts of the tree are traditionally used for human consumption, particularly during lean seasons. In line with the increasing demand for natural, healthy, and nutritious food products, the baobab has great potential to contribute to human nutrition and rural livelihoods. In Malawi, where demand for baobab has substantially increased within the last decade, baobab fruits are being processed into a variety of food and non-food products, such as fruit juice, ice-lollies, sweets, and cosmetics. Yet, information on the sociodemographic background and quality preferences of baobab consumers is scanty. The current study, therefore, aimed to (1) map the diversity of baobab products available in Malawi; (2) determine consumer segments and their preferences for the most common baobab food products; and (3) examine the contribution of major attributes of processed baobab food products on their price. We employed a mixed-methods approach including the analysis of 132 baobab products and a survey of 141 consumers in formal and informal retail outlets, adopting multistage and purposive sampling. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using cluster analysis, cross tabulation, and hedonic regression. Results pointed to two distinct consumer segments for baobab food products, largely following the formal–informal product divide currently existing in Malawi. Both segments clearly differed with regard to preferred product attributes. We also showed that extrinsic product attributes such as packaging quality, labelling, conformity with food standards, or health claims provided distinct differentiation potential for baobab food manufacturers. In addition to providing empirical evidence for the transition of baobab food products into higher-value market segments, our results can help food processing enterprises to improve the composition and marketing of their baobab products.

Baobab polysaccharides from fruits and leaves

Polysaccharides have been isolated at pH 6.0 or 2.0 from fruits and leaves of two varieties of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.). The isolation protocol was designed to study the influence of pH on the structural and functional characteristics of polysaccharides. The polysaccharides were examined by means of sugar composition analysis, NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and dilute solution viscometry. Polysaccharide yield was substantially higher in fruits (~20% w/w) than in leaves (~4% w/w) with all samples having low protein content (<~0.5% w/w). Monosaccharide and NMR analysis revealed that polysaccharides extracted from leaves have characteristics of “linear” and “branched” pectins (~71 mol% uronic acids, ~12 mol% rhamnose and ~9 mol% galactose) whereas those from fruits were primarily xylogalacturonans (~69 mol% uronic acids, ~13 mol% xylose). Polysaccharides from leaves had greater molecular weight (>300 × 103 g mol−1) than fruits (<200 × 103 g mol−1) presenting distinct solution behaviour. Polysaccharides from leaves were only dispersed at low concentrations (~1% w/v) whereas those from fruits may be dispersed at >20% w/v, representing a clear divide in their functional properties and potential applications. Overall, baobab fruits and leaves offer a novel source of polysaccharides for the food or pharmaceutical industries.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab) from Mali, as a Source of Health-Promoting Compounds.

Background: Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae), also known as baobab, is a tree attracting recent interest especially due to the high nutritional value of the fruit pulp. However, few studies are reported on the secondary metabolite content, showing high variability depending on the geographic region. Methods: In this study, the chemical profiles of Malian commercial baobab fruits and leaves, focused on phenolic content, were investigated by HPLC coupled with a photodiode array (PDA)/UV and an electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometer (MS) and gas chromatography (GC)/MS. In addition, the extracts of fruit pulps obtained from three different markets (Fruits 1, 2, and 3) were evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition. Results: Baobab fruit pulps were found to be rich in procyanidins and flavonol glycosides, with tiliroside as the major constituent. The baobab leaves showed a similar profile respect to the fruits, but with more detected phenolics. All fruit pulp extracts exerted antioxidant activity (highest for Fruit 3) and higher α-glucosidase inhibition than acarbose used as standard. Conclusions: This study confirmed the variability of baobab with different origins and indicated Malian species baobab as a promising source of health-promoting substances.

Variation in the mineral element concentration of Moringa oleifera Lam. and M. stenopetala (Bak. f.) Cuf.: Role in human nutrition.

BackgroundMoringa oleifera (MO) and M. stenopetala (MS) (family Moringaceae; order Brassicales) are multipurpose tree/shrub species. They thrive under marginal environmental conditions and produce nutritious edible parts. The aim of this study was to determine the mineral composition of different parts of MO and MS growing in their natural environments and their potential role in alleviating human mineral micronutrient deficiencies (MND) in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsEdible parts of MO (n = 146) and MS (n = 50), co-occurring cereals/vegetables and soils (n = 95) underneath their canopy were sampled from localities in southern Ethiopia and Kenya. The concentrations of seven mineral elements, namely, calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iodine (I), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in edible parts and soils were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.ResultsIn Ethiopian crops, MS leaves contained the highest median concentrations of all elements except Cu and Zn, which were greater in Enset (a.k.a., false banana). In Kenya, Mo flowers and MS leaves had the highest median Se concentration of 1.56 mg kg-1 and 3.96 mg kg-1, respectively. The median concentration of Se in MS leaves was 7-fold, 10-fold, 23-fold, 117-fold and 147-fold more than that in brassica leaves, amaranth leaves, baobab fruits, sorghum grain and maize grain, respectively. The median Se concentration was 78-fold and 98-fold greater in MO seeds than in sorghum and maize grain, respectively. There was a strong relationship between soil total Se and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4)-extractable Se, and Se concentration in the leaves of MO and MS.ConclusionThis study confirms previous studies that Moringa is a good source of several of the measured mineral nutrients, and it includes the first wide assessment of Se and I concentrations in edible parts of MO and MS grown in various localities. Increasing the consumption of MO and MS, especially the leaves as a fresh vegetable or in powdered form, could reduce the prevalence of MNDs, most notably Se deficiency.

Mali’s Nomads: Bulwarks Against Jihad

Mali’s Nomads: Bulwarks Against Jihad

Adansonia madagascariensis, une hypothèse d'hydrochorie marine

Des fruits d’Adansonia madagascariensis ont été trouvés en mai 2011 sur la plage d’Anjiabe au Nord de Madagascar. Les traces présentes sur les fruits et l’absence de peuplements de l’espèce sur cette côte indiquent qu’ils ont séjourné long- temps en mer. La viabilité des graines contenues a été évaluée et comparée à celle de graines collectées sous des semenciers. Les résultats montrent que leur potentiel germinatif n’est pas altéré par un séjour en mer et que leur germina- tion est possible, voire favorisée dans les zones tidales. Ces premiers résultats confirment l’hypothèse d’une hydrocho- rie maritime pour cette espèce. Ils mon- trent que les fruits de baobab peuvent séjourner en mer et conserver des graines viables pour coloniser de nouveaux espaces. Ils pourraient ainsi expliquer la fréquente présence de cette espèce le long du littoral malgache et celle, bien que plus rare, sur les côtes mahoraises.

Biochemical and nutritional properties of baobab pulp from endemic species of Madagascar and the African mainland

The fruit of baobab (Adansonia sp.) is well known in Africa both for its medicinal properties and social uses. It is a very promising tropical fruit although it has been little investigated and exploited in Madagascar. One of the major challenges, in Africa, in the last years has been to establish the baobab as a commercial crop with an economic value. In order to know if Malagasy baobab fruits have the same potential, we proposed to study biochemical characteristics of its fruit pulp. To achieve this objective, five endemic baobab species from Madagascar and one from Cote d’Ivoire were studied. Contents in vitamin C, polyphenols, lipids, proteins and minerals were evaluated. The biochemical composition of the fruit pulp of Madagascar species was studied and compared to that of a SudanoSahelian species (Adansonia digitata). Results showed high variability in biochemical characteristics and mineral content between the five Malagasy species and the Sudano-Sahelian species. These data revealed that the composition and the interesting nutritional potential of the baobab pulp may be of high interest to Malagasy consumers, which would contribute to rank it as a commercial crop.

Phenotypic variation in fruit and seed morphology of Adansonia digitata L. (baobab) in five selected wild populations in Malawi

Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab) is widely distributed throughout Sub-Saharan Africa stretching from Senegal to Sudan, and from Ethiopia to Natal. Information of phenotypic and genetic variation is a prerequisite for the domestication and improvement of baobab fruits from the wild. A study was done to determine within and between provenance variability in fruit and seed characteristics of five populations selected from four silvicultural zones and assess whether morphometric traits could delineate populations from different zones into land races. Fruits were characterized from 55 trees representing a wide geographical range. Six fruit traits and three individual seed traits were assessed. Results showed highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) in fruit, pulp, and seed weight, fruit length and width, number of seed, individual seed weight, seed length and width within and between populations. Mean fruit weight ranged from 125.8 ± 3.25 to 162.9 ± 3.25 g, seed weight ranged from 38.6 ± 2.5 to 66 ± 2.01 g and pulp weight ranged from 28.7 ± 1.33 to 41.4 ± 1.33 g. Single seed weight showed pronounced evidence of divergence of populations into ecotypes. The rich diversity found between and within populations is important for domestication purposes and tree improvement through selection and breeding. All populations could be used for seed source but distribution should be consciously done recognizing existence of races.

The baobab tree in Malawi

Introduction . The baobab tree’s potential overexploitation has recently been reinforced by the acceptance of baobab fruit pulp in the EU and US food markets. Despite the number of recent studies on this species, Adansonia digitata, little is known from Malawi, the main exporter of baobab fruit pulp in Africa. Materials and methods . Information on distribution and density of baobab trees present in Malawi was gathered from field surveys. The Maxent software based on the maximum-entropy approach for species habitat modelling was used together with spatial environmental data and geo-referenced records of the baobab tree to analyse its ecological preferences and potential cultivation sites. Farmers were interviewed about who was using and buying baobab fruits in different areas. Fruit and leaf morphological diversity was assessed in eight study sites selected along a latitudinal gradient. Results and discussion . The baobab tree was found to be widely distributed in southern Malawi, with variable densities. Modelling results show that this species could be cultivated in most of the southern region. A large morphological diversity in both fruit and leaf characteristics was observed, which gives the opportunity to select more desirable characters for cultivation. Conclusion . Our study showed that, while some areas of high baobab tree density could be further exploited, its cultivation, however, should be recommended in areas with low density of baobab trees in southern Malawi because there is little natural regeneration. Moreover, this study suggested that there is room for selecting baobab planting material with desirable characteristics for cultivation purposes in Malawi.

Variability of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) fruits’ physical characteristics and nutrient content in the West African Sahel

The present study was carried out to evaluate variability in fruit characteristics and nutritional quality of Baobab fruits with the aim of providing the background to select trees bearing fruit with desirable characteristics for further utilisation. Vitamin C, total sugar and ash contents were assessed in 178 Baobab fruit samples from 11 sites in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Furthermore the following tree and fruit physical characteristics were recorded: tree height, bark colour, fruit size, pulp weight, seed weight, seed size and pulp colour. The content (mean ± SD) of vitamin C was 4.78 ± 1.02 g kg−1, sugar 514 ± 72 g kg−1 and fruit weight 293 ± 96 g. There was a significant correlation between annual precipitation of the tree population site and vitamin C content but not with sugar content. For sugar, there were significant positive correlations with latitude and longitude. Negative correlations were found between fruit size and both longitude and latitude with smaller fruits generally being found to the north/east. No relation was found between pulp or bark colour and the sugar or vitamin C content. The contents of protein, lipid, carbohydrates, ash and moisture in the seeds ranged from 156 to 159, 143 to 150, 641 to 652, 44 to 49 and 50 to 55.7 g kg−1 respectively. The variation for vitamin C and sugar found within populations is a first indication that valuable gains could be made by selection of superior trees.