Indigenous Fruit Species Research Articles

Quel prédiction écologique pour Cola nitida: une espèce fruitière spontanée du Benin

The variation of climatic parameters influences the distribution of several indigenous fruit species in Benin. This research evaluates the spatio-temporal dynamics of favorable habitats to the cultivation of Cola nitida under current climatic conditions and by 2085 in Benin. To do this, 230 occurrences of C. nitida were combined with the environmental layers using the MaxEnt algorithm in order to highlight its favorable habitats. The AUC (0.969) and SEDI (0.918) results suggest a very good performance of the model. The precipitation of the driest quarter (43.6%) and the maximum temperature of warmest month (41.8%) are the variables that most influenced the geographical distribution of C. nitida in Benin. More than 87% of the national territory remains less favorable to the conservation of C. nitida. Very favorable habitats went from 5.21% (present climatic conditions) to 1.29% (RCP 4.5) i.e., a loss of 3.92%, and occupy only 0.16% of the national territory (RCP 8.5) either a regression of 5.05%. Furthermore, the priority conservation habitats resilient to climate change occupy only 9.69% of the territory. Thus, it is important to implement reforestation projects in priority natural habitats resilient to climate change (classified forest of Pahou, Ouèdo, Djigbé, Itchèdè-Toffo, Niaouli and the reforestation perimeter of Abomey) which are entirely suitable for the conservation of C. nitida. The promotion of C. nitida in agroforestry parks should be encouraged for sustainable production and management.

Phytochemical Screening of Muntingia Calabura Fruit for Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities

Muntingia calabura (M. calabura) is an indigenous fruit species that is widely distributed in Malaysia and traditionally believed for constituting medicinal properties, yet little-known and underutilized. Hence, this study aimed to perform an extraction of M. calabura fruit to identify phytochemicals potential by carrying out several analysis such as Total Phenolic Content, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum (FTIR), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Besides, the antioxidant and cytotoxicity properties of M. calabura were also identified from Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) and brine shrimp lethality tests. The finding suggested that further study on the modification of M. calabura extraction should be carried out to explore maximal potential of M. calabura as natural medicine and commercial use .

Undervalued Spiny Monkey Orange (Strychnos spinosa Lam.): An Indigenous Fruit for Sustainable Food-Nutrition and Economic Prosperity.

Strychnos spinosa Lam. is among the top nutrient-dense indigenous fruit species that are predominant in Southern Africa. It is a highly ranked indigenous fruit based on the nutrition and sensorial properties, which make it an important food source for the marginalized rural people. On the basis of the high vitamin C, iron, and zinc content, it has the capacity to improve the food- nutrition and the socioeconomic status of individuals, especially those in the rural areas of the developing nations. The nutritional composition of Strychnos spinosa compare favorably with many of the popular fruits, such as strawberries and orange. Additionally, Strychnos spinosa has antioxidant activity similar to well-known antioxidant fruits, which keeps it in the class of the popular fruits, giving it added nutrition–health-promoting benefits. In order to improve the availability of Strychnos spinosa, more research on the domestication, processing, preservation, value chain, and economic potential need to be further explored. Therefore, we recommend more concerted efforts from relevant stakeholders with interest in Strychnos spinosa fruit production as a possible sustainable solution to food shortage, food-nutrition insecurity, malnutrition, and austerity, mainly in the rural communities of the developing countries.

Ethno-horticultural and physico-chemical characterization of indigenous fruit species for nutritional and socio-economic uplift of local communities from district Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

The world is suffering due to the double burden of malnutrition i.e., under-nourished and over-nourished which is increasing day by day. Lack of dietary diversity and changing climatic scenarios are paving the way for this severe problem. There could be many solutions to address this chronic problem. However, using locally grown indigenous fruit species could be the cheapest and sustainable solution to tackle these issues locally as well as globally. To understand the existing barriers which are hindering to unlock the full potential of these fruit species, the present study was designed. To explore the ethno-horticultural and physico-chemical potential of some selected indigenous fruits such as persimmon, date plum, apple, pear, autumn olive, black raspberry, yellow raspberry, quince, barberry, apricot, fig, wood land strawberry, wild pomegranate, black mulberry, and plum were collected from different villages of District Poonch and analysed for various parameters. Ethno-horticultural information was gathered and documented during a survey conducted in this area while physico-chemical characterization was done through analytical studies. Samples were analysed for physico-chemical parameters such as, fruit weight, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, pH, total antioxidants, total flavonoids, and total phenols. The physico-chemical results showed that there is a huge potential of these fruit crops to be used locally and at national level. Further, small scale industry should be established to develop value added products.

Assessment of On-farm Cultivation and Conservation of Indigenous Fruit Species in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Assessment of On-farm Cultivation and Conservation of Indigenous Fruit Species in Ekiti State, Nigeria

OVERVIEW OF TEMPERATE FRUITS IN NORTH EASTERN HIMALAYA: SITUATION AND CHALLENGES

The North Eastern Region of India is one of the richest reservoir of genetic variability and diversity of different horticultural crops that exists in plant type, morphological and physiological variations, reactions to diseases and pests, adaptability and distribution. The region spreads over an area of 2,620,230 km2 (8% of country’s geographical area) and consists of eight states. The region presents most diverse conditions for fruit growing in terms of slopes, altitudes, agro-climatic conditions and soil types etc. The altitudinal differences coupled with varied physiography contributes to great climatic variations in NE India, from near tropical to sub-alpine and sub-tropical climate. The soil of the region is rich in organic matter and is acidic to strongly acidic in reaction. The widely diverse agro-climatic conditions along with other physiographic conditions have led to immense variability among fruit crops in the region. According to National Horticulture Board, the area, production and productivity of fruit crops in the region in 2010-2011 were 412,000 ha, 3,432,100 t and 8.33 t/ha, respectively. Apart from major subtropical fruits like citrus, pineapple and banana, many temperate fruits like apple, peach, plum, strawberry, passion fruit and kiwifruit are grown in this region. Besides, major fruit species, the region is a treasure trove for many underutilized temperate fruit crops such as Persea americana, Pyrus pashia, P. indica, Prunus nepalensis, P. jenkinsii, P. avium, P. cerasus, P. serotina, Rubus ellipticus, etc. Many of these fruits are rich in nutrients and medicinal properties and have immense potential to contribute location specific food production, as they are well adapted to existing and adverse environmental conditions. Apart from providing diversification of the food base, different indigenous fruit species produce at different times of the years, ensure year round supply of nutrition. Furthermore, these crops have long been a traditional part of cropping systems. Utilization of bio resources through conventional and biotechnological interventions, development of agro-ecological zone specific farming system involving underutilized fruit crops, infrastructural development including processing, storage, transport and marketing, export oriented production programmes and border trade involving high value fruit crops and prevention of genetic erosion in non-traditional fruit species would boost fruit production in the region.

Indigenous fruit species as a significant resource for sustainable development

Sustainable agriculture means increasing yields and profits without degrading the natural resources which are the most important for agricultural production. The aim is to meet the people?s needs for food and improve the quality of life while preserving the environment. Among hundreds of forest species, particular attention is drawn to the wild relatives of cultivated fruit trees, so called indigenous fruit trees, whose regular collection, production and use can affect all aspects of agricultural economy. The natural habitats of the Republic of Serbia include 15 families and 26 genera with 100 species of wild fruit trees. The primary use of the indigenous fruits is for human consumption (either fresh or processed). A number of wild relatives of cultivated fruit trees could be used in the future as rootstocks for fruit production, or for large-scale production, either organic or conventional. In addition, indigenous fruit species are carriers of genes for resistance to economically important diseases and pests, and they can be used in breeding of fruit trees and grapevines. Wild species of fruit trees are used as planting materials for afforestation and erosion prevention, some for timber production, as well as some decorative forms in landscape architecture, while some species are important bee pastures.

Standardization of IBA Concentration for Rooting of Cuttings of some Indigenous Fruit Crops of Assam

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of different concentrations of IBA (250, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 ppm) on rooting of cuttings in five indigenous fruit species- Barthekera (Garcinia pedunculataRoxb.), Teportenga (Garcinia xanthochymus Hk.f), Jalphai (Eleocarpus floribundus Bl ), Nagatenga (Rhus semialata Murr.) and Outenga (Dillenia indica Linn.) during March 2007. Among all the five species studied, Outenga registered highest percentage of rooting (38.86), number of primary roots (12.00), survival percentage (40.47) and longest shoots (20.41cm). IBA @ 2000 ppm exhibited highest percentage of rooting (37.13), number of primary roots (9.13), survival percentage (35.69) and longest shoots (17.91cm).

Fruit nutritional composition and non-nutritive traits of indigenous South African tree species

Frugivorous animals play a major role in dispersing tropical, and to a lesser extent, temperate tree species. In order to attract potential seed dispersers, plants generally offer a reward of fleshy fruit pulp. Criteria for fruit choice by avian frugivores are influenced by a number of non-nutritive (e.g. fruit size and colour) factors; and nutritional composition of the fruit. There is a paucity of nutritional composition and other fruit trait data of indigenous South African fruit. This information is necessary in order to determine which frugivores are likely to ingest which fruits and consequently act as potential seed dispersal agents. This information would provide us with an understanding of the inter-relationships between indigenous fruit and frugivores in South Africa. Consequently nutritional composition was investigated in various indigenous fruit species that avian frugivores feed on. Fruits were collected from 38 indigenous tree species found in KwaZulu-Natal Afromontane and coastal forests. Pulp was freeze-dried to constant mass and then analysed for sugar, lipid and protein content; and for water content determination. Fruit width in this study ranged from 4 mm ( Searsia rehmanniana and Trema orientalis) to 40 mm ( Annona senegalensis, Ficus sur and Xylotheca kraussiana). Of the fruits examined in this study 29% were black and 43% were red when ripe. Most (84%) fruit species analysed for sugar content were hexose dominant with 50% being fructose and 34% being glucose dominant. Only 16% of the fruit species analysed were sucrose dominant. Fruits in this study were generally observed to be high (mean: 68.1 ± 3.3%; n = 30) in water content; and low in protein and lipid content respectively (mean: 8.2 ± 0.5%; 9.3 ± 2.2%; n = 30) indicating that these fruit species could be considered as nutrient-dilute. Future studies need to determine the nutritional composition of the remaining indigenous South African fruit in order to develop a comprehensive database as well as examining non-nutritive factors.

Mineral micronutrient density characterization using energy dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis in four on-farm Kenyan wild African fruit tree germplasm

Kenya has over 400 marginalized indigenous fruit species. A majority found in natural habitats are allegedly high in micronutrients that could help mitigate the prevailing micronutrient nutrahealth deficiencies. Amplifying their nutrahealth value more as nutraceutical than wild species, and coupled with local level communitycentred promotion for use and conservation, could stimulate the uncommon opportunities for decentralized and locale-specific community use and conservation. Thus conservation-by-use could enlarge the nutrahealth security basket as well as mitigate loss of the vanishing fruit species. In retrospect, value-adding nutrahealth research is needed to change the un-informed mind. Thus, the objectives of the study were to: (1) tag Mineral-Referred sites (MRS) influencing Fruit Mineral-Density variation (FMDVAR) among Grewa, Rhus, Boabab and Jackfruit accessions; and (2) apply a nutrametric value (grading) test to classifying FMD variation (FMDVAR) within the realm of nutraceutical food, nutrition and health promise. Fruit portions with their tree trunk adjoining soils were collected in 2003/04 from Kanduyi-Chwele- Nalondo (Bungoma) transect; Maseno-Esivalu (Maseno); and Kaseme- Masongaleni (Kibwezi) and subjected to XRF analysis at the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology in the University of Nairobi. A Clustered-Bar-Graphing test was used to obtain Ca, K, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn as variation-picking elements which were turned into MRS X-variables upon which fruit species mineral-density variation was determined. Significant (p < 0.05) FMDVAR x MRS and phyto-region x FMDVAR interactions were detected. Rhus spp had the highest Fe-Mn > Grewa spp > Jackfruit > Ficus > Boabab spp depending on locations they were collected from. In that order, Ficusshowed the highest iron-manganese but had the lowest Zn-Cu. Jackfruit, with Fe-Mn third in line, had highest Zn-Cu. There was no accession with ‘all-winner’ elements. In density terms some minerals were top while others were variably low. High uptakeability of elements in the tree species such as demonstrated by Rhus may be indicative of their soil-mining (a depletion effect) and/or fruit accumulation (a nutra-health plus) tendency. On the overall, nutrametric valuation (NTV) confirmed that Rhus and Ficus had highest fruit micronutrient variation relative to Jackfruit and Boabab. NTV clusters did not show a one-to-one soil-to-plant element matching between plant and soil mineral content. Plant micronutrient patterns show the potential for exploiting the indigenous trees for development of nutrahealth cropping.Key words: XRF, Micronutrient Density, African Fruits

Analysis Of The Social-Economic Factors Affecting Output Of Nihort Fruit Adoptors And Non-Adoptors In Okigwe Agricultural Zone, Imo State

The study analysed the socio-economic factors affecting output of NIHORT, fruit adopters and non-adopters in Okigwe Agricultural Zone of Imo State. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire from 160 respondent, (80 adopters and 80 non-adopters) selected by multistage sample technique. Data analysis were by the use of descriptive (frequencies and percentages) and inferential (multiple regression) statistical tools. The study revealed that both the adopters (38.8%) and non-adopters (36.3%) are both in their productive ages. Majority (87.5%) of the adopters are males and so also are the non-adopters (82.5%). A moderate family size of 6-7 family members are in adopters and non-adopters, while majority of both (non-adopters 40.0%, adopters 32.5%) have no formal education. Both are small-scale- farmers and do not generate up to N200, 000 income per annum from farming. The adopters are interested and adopt mainly exotic fruits trees while the non-adopters interest is negligible. Both are averse to adoption of indigenous fruit species. Multiple regression analysis showed that educational level, family size and income are not important determinant of the output of fruit in the study area. However, farm size, gender and age have positive effect on the output of fruits in the study area. It was recommended that both adopters and nonadopters should develop interest in the adoption of indigenous fruits-trees so that they do not go into extinction. Extension agents presence is necessary in the study area so as to organise training for the farmers. The farmers should be empowered to go into medium scale farming to enable them make more income. Key words: fruit adoptors, non-adoptors, farmers

Clonagem do camu-camu arbustivo em porta-enxertos de camu-camu arbustivo e arbóreo

O camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (H.B.K.) McVaugh), espécie frutífera nativa da Amazônia, de porte arbustivo, é propagado, normalmente, por sementes, ocasionando grande variação na entrada em frutificação e no ciclo de produção, bem como no teor de ácido ascórbico (vitamina C) dos frutos. outra espécie de camu-camu, M. floribunda (West ex Willd.) o. Berg, de porte arbóreo, ocorre em menor densidade na região amazônica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de diferentes métodos de enxertia e a compatibilidade interespecífica entre camu-camu arbustivo e camu-camu arbóreo na fase de formação de mudas de M. dubia. o ensaio foi desenvolvido no período de março a agosto de 2008, no Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, em Manaus-AM, com delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4 (métodos de enxertia) x 2 (espécies de porta-enxerto), com quatro repetições. M. dubia, como porta-enxerto, apresentou melhor percentual de pegamento de enxertos (78,4%), comparada a M. floribunda (49,3%). os melhores resultados na clonagem de M. dubia foram obtidos pelos métodos de garfagem, em que a parte aérea do porta-enxerto foi removida após 30 dias da enxertia: fenda lateral (89,3%) e lateral com lingueta (79,3%). o menor resultado foi obtido nos métodos de garfagem, em que a parte aérea do porta-enxerto foi removida na ocasião da enxertia: topo em fenda cheia (51,6%) e inglês complicado (31,5%).

Harvesting and postharvest handling practices and characteristics of Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.) fruits: a survey of roadside markets in Malawi

Uapaca kirkiana (Muell. Arg.), a highly valued indigenous fruit species, is being domesticated to increase its utilization in southern Africa. Vendors, who were also the fruit gatherers, that were selling U. kirkiana fruits at roadside markets in Dedza, Malawi, were interviewed on four occasions during the marketing season (October 2003–January 2004) and fruit samples were concurrently sampled from each vendor. Information was obtained on when and how the fruits had been harvested and handled. Timing of fruit harvest was based on experience, aided by indicators such as occurrence of first heavy rains, natural abscission, size and color changes. Harvesting by knocking down unripe fruits from trees was practiced throughout the␣season, but naturally abscised fruits were also gathered in December and January. Fruits harvested when mature but unripe required incubation in soil, plain and woven plastic bags or clay-pots. The incubation method changed and the duration of incubation decreased between October (3–4 days) and January (≤2 days). Fruit samples were evaluated for damage, color and soluble solids concentration (SSC). Fruit SSC and color lightness/brightness (L*) increased from 10.1 to 16.4% (P<0.01) and from 45.7 to 50.5 units, (P<0.01), respectively. Higher SSC values were generally associated (R 2=0.68, P<0.001) with increasing pulp color intensity. Cracking, at 48%, constituted the most common form of damage in sampled fruits. On average, fruits were saleable for only 3–4 days, this being attributed to inherent fruit characteristics combined with immaturity at harvest, and damage during harvesting and storage in hot dry conditions. Lack of appropriate harvesting and handling techniques were associated with fruit darkening, drying, rotting and other postharvest problems.