Sclerocarya Birrea Research Articles

Survival trends (2008–2020) of three tree species in response to elephant impact, environmental variation, and stem wire-netting protection in an African savanna

Reduced levels of the survival of large trees (≥5 m height) in Africa’s savannas are a conservation concern, particularly where large trees co-occur with African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Elephants, as ecosystem engineers, can structurally modify and lesson the savanna large tree component. Wire-netting, which involves wrapping chicken-mesh around a tree’s main stem, has been used as a mitigation method to increase tree survival. We assess the trends in survival of three large tree species of conservation importance, namely Lannea schweinfurthii, Senegalia nigrescens and Sclerocarya birrea, within the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. We consider survival trends linked by both elephant impact, as well as external environmental factors. We conducted four field assessments on 2,758 trees in 2008 (baseline), 2012, 2017, and 2020, where we recorded i) elephant impact levels on each tree, ii) whether the tree had wire-netting, and iii) the tree’s survival status. We then modelled tree survival status as a dependent variable against multiple environmental factors. We found that tree survival was lowest when mean annual rainfall was lowest due to the drought, particularly amongst L. schweinfurthii and S. nigrescens. Wire-netting significantly increased large tree survival in comparison to control trees over the 12-year period, however, this effect decreased after four years if the wire-netting had lost its structural integrity. We illustrate how various environmental factors, in combination with elephant impact, affect large tree survival in an African savanna with a high density of artificial water points. We also provide results on the longest known study on wire-netting as a mitigation method for elephant impact on large trees and provide evidence on how a period of drought may have accelerated large tree decline in a southern African savanna.

The Contradiction Between Culinary Innovation Research and Gastro Tourism Practice

This historical review explores a descriptive-informative overview of cuisine as a component of gastro-tourism and travel. The paper reports on contemporary culinary innovation offerings in a South African context, analysing the links – or absence thereof – between academia and the gastro-tourism industry, to illustrate the ambiguity between research and practice in culinary innovation and its effects on the gastro-tourism industry. The qualitative methodology employed was informed by the historically oriented systematic literature review process. This was guided by a structured approach to determine relevant source material that would be useful for the historical literature review purpose. Evidence searches for literature from various sources such as scholarly journals and professional magazines, grey literature and personal reviews within the industry were undertaken. The examples in this paper highlight the potential unstructured innovation taking place within the South African food service environment without supported evidence from academic research. Role-players in both research and the gastro-tourism fields could apply properly researched food heritage and gastro-nationalism interventions to draw tourists and allow them to experience innovative use of local indigenous produce and food heritage innovations. Examples include Wild Peach (Landolphia kirkii) or Sand Apricot Vine (Umkuzi in Zulu) fruit leather disk covering a cheese and fruit plate, or swirls of fruit leather used to decorate a carrot and Marula Bundt cake, made from bright Umnumbela or Transvaal Milk-plum purée, and Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) pulp in the carrot cake batter. The research highlights the limited available data, to establish a viable link between academia and the gastro-tourism industry. Despite this limitation, the paper foregrounds the efforts being made towards culinary innovation within the South African culinary industry. Simultaneously it also illustrates the originality of this research and the importance of improved collaboration.

Exploring the utilisation and management of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst (Marula tree) in the Beitbridge district of southern Zimbabwe

The marula tree can play a vital role to enhance the livelihoods within marginalised communities and aid forest management efforts. This research aimed to explore the utilisation and management of the marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea) in ward 3 of Beitbridge district, Southern Zimbabwe. A representative sample of 300 randomly selected households from five villages of ward 3 were interviewed telephonically and through the WhatsApp social media platform using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study observed that 95% of the sampled households harvested and utilised marula fruits to produce several products including jam, marula wine, nuts for consumption, and soda. In addition, marula makes a significant contribution to family income at (35%) when in season compared to other livelihood options such as livestock rearing and cropping. An average of 443 kg of marula fruits were harvested per season per village and there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in quantities harvested across villages. Households involved in marula fruit trading increased by 27% in 20 years due t\o an improvement in the marula tree value chain in the district. Therefore, there is a distinct possibility for overutilisation of the marula tree products, which necessitates the need for the development of effective marula forest management plans.

Morula Kernel Cake (Sclerocarya birrea) as a Protein Source in Diets of Finishing Tswana Lambs: Effects on Nutrient Digestibility, Growth, Meat Quality, and Gross Margin.

A trial evaluated growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and economic returns of fattened lambs fed on diets containing different protein sources. Six castrated male Tswana lambs per treatment were used in a completely randomised design (CRD) trial and fed on complete diets containing Lucerne (CD; commercial diet), morula kernel cake (MKC), or sunflower seedcake (SC) as protein sources over a 103-day experiment. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the dry matter intake, final body weight, average daily gain, and FCR. This was attributable to all the diets providing an equal supply of nutrients to the lambs. Meat quality attributes and proximate composition values were similar (p > 0.05) across the treatments. Longissimus dorsi muscle organoleptic quality did not differ (p > 0.05) across the treatments. The gross margin analysis was significantly greater (p < 0.05) when feeding SCD than feeding CD and was intermediate for lambs fed MKCD. Morula kernel cake (Sclerocarya birrea) can be used for fattening lambs when common protein sources are either not available or expensive.

Morula (Sclerocarya birrea) kernel cake as a partial soybean meal replacer in Ross 308 broiler diets: Effects on feed utilisation, growth performance, and selected blood parameters

The effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with graded levels of morula kernel cake (MKC) on growth performance and haemo-biochemical parameters in broiler chickens were studied. Four isonitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were formulated by replacing the SBM component at 0, 40, 80 and 120 g/kg with MKC as protein source in grower and finisher diets. One hundred and sixty 2-week-old chicks were randomly allocated to the treatments, which were replicated five times (eight birds/pen). Growth performance and blood parameters were measured. Results showed that neither linear nor quadratic trends were observed for weekly feed intake (WFI), weekly weight gain (WWG), weekly feed conversion ratio (WFCR), and growth performance with MKC levels. However, packed cell volume (PCV) quadratically decreased (Y=37.4±1.2+1.4±0.5+0.13±0.03X²; R2=0.39; p=0.005) with MKC levels, heterophils increased (y=50.9±1.8+1.18±0.73x; R2=0.35, p=0.009) while lymphocytes decreased linearly (y=40.7±1.67-1.42±0.67x; R2=0.35, p=0.02) with MKC levels. There was a linear decrease (Y=0.81±0.02-0.01±0.01x; R2=0.2895; p=0.02) in magnesium while phosphorus increased quadratically with MKC levels. Quadratic trends (Y=17.2±0.6+0.7±0.2+0.04±0.02X²; R2=0.47; p=0.05) were also observed in iron as MKC levels increased. All the parameters of blood biochemistry fell within the normal range for birds. The present results indicate that inclusion of MKC up to 120 g/kg does not result in adverse effects on diet utilisation, growth performance, and health status of Ross 308 broiler chickens, indicating that MKC has the potential to be used as an alternative protein source to SBM.

Melissopalynological investigations of seasonal honey samples from the Greater Kruger National Park, Savanna biome of South Africa

In melissopalynological studies, the investigation of pollen composition in honey samples reveals the geographical and botanical origin of the samples and links them to the regional climatic conditions. Honeybees (Apis mellifera), collect pollen and nectar for their nutritional requirements based on the seasonal availability of surrounding flora. In this study, pollen content in honey was temporarily investigated for seasonal differences of the bee foraged plants. A melissopalynological investigation was applied to honey samples harvested from 13 beehives located in the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. Multivariate statistics (NMDS and Rarefaction curves) were used to show spatial and temporal clustering of the samples. The melissopalynological data were then compared to the species’ flowering season and a botanical survey of the surrounding area. The turnover in pollen composition for different seasons signifies seasonal variation in pollen types. For example, during summer, bees foraged from fewer floral sources. The highest species richness was observed during winter, suggesting a higher dependence on a diversity of floral resources during the driest months. Various seasonal pollen spectra were characterised by a pollen turnover from numerous species, including Combretum type, Sclerocarya birrea, Poaceae, Harpephyllum caffrum and Lannea schweinfurthii but also neophytes such as Medicago sativa. Therefore, honey samples from the Lowveld region in South Africa reflected the seasonal patterns of the surrounding flora although pollen from taxa such as Combretum spp. (average 56%) and Sclerocarya birrea (average 14%) were continuously sought after by bees throughout the year.

Microbiological quality and sensory perception of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. Pulp juice in Niger

The Sclerocarya birrea tree is a widespread and little-studied multipurpose forest species in Niger. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and sensory perception of fruit pulp juices from two different regions. The results showed that the germs of alteration range from absence to 22 CFU/g for total mesophilic aerobic flora, from 01 to 08 CFU/g for total coliforms, the absence of yeasts and molds for 4 samples, the presence of yeasts at the level of 3 samples, varying from 02 to 23 CFU/g, and the absence of sulfite-reducing anaerobic germs for all sites. The presence of pathogenic germs in E. coli from 03 to 08 UCF/g was noted, but no salmonella was found, and staphylococci were found in at least two samples. There was no effect produced by the descriptors on the acid-sugar and acid-taste balance (P &gt; 0.05), and the judges have different rating scales. The correlation analysis shows that there is an agreement among some panel members. The hedonic rating shows that two samples out of six did not obtain a good mean from consumers and global appreciation for the other four samples. It appears that good hygiene and processing practices must be reviewed in juice processing. In addition, the fruits of S. birrea are very acidic but also sweet, which requires the search for adequate methods of preservation to improve the taste qualities of its juice.

The marula and elephant intoxication myth: assessing the biodiversity of fermenting yeasts associated with marula fruits (Sclerocarya birrea).

The inebriation of wild African elephants from eating the ripened and rotting fruit of the marula tree is a persistent myth in Southern Africa. However, the yeasts responsible for alcoholic fermentation to intoxicate the elephants remain poorly documented. In this study, we considered Botswana, a country with the world's largest population of wild elephants, and where the marula tree is indigenous, abundant and protected, to assess the occurrence and biodiversity of yeasts with a potential to ferment and subsequently inebriate the wild elephants. We collected marula fruits from over a stretch of 800km in Botswana and isolated 106 yeast strains representing 24 yeast species. Over 93% of these isolates, typically known to ferment simple sugars and produce ethanol comprising of high ethanol producers belonging to Saccharomyces, Brettanomyces, and Pichia, and intermediate ethanol producers Wickerhamomyces, Zygotorulaspora, Candida, Hanseniaspora, and Kluyveromyces. Fermentation of marula juice revealed convincing fermentative and aromatic bouquet credentials to suggest the potential to influence foraging behaviour and inebriate elephants in nature. There is insufficient evidence to refute the aforementioned myth. This work serves as the first work towards understanding the biodiversity marula associated yeasts to debunk the myth or approve the facts.

Effects of Substitution of the Imported Super Concentrate with Graded Levels of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) Kernel Meal on Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Broiler Chicks

This study was conducted in Dilling town, South Kordofan State, Sudan with the objective of studying and evaluating the effects of using graded levels of Marula, Sclerocarya birrea, kernel meal on broilers Growth performance and meat quality. Two hundred, one day old (Ross 308) chicks were distributed into five groups of treatments where every 20 birds were housed in separate unit assigned to the five treatments A, B, C, D and E with four replicates, on floor covered with saw dust. The chicks were transferred periodically to ensure random housing. Starter and finisher rations were formulated for each treatment. The experimental diets were formulated with five levels of Sclerocarya birrea of (2.5%), (5%), (7.5%) and 10% as a substitute for the protein super concentrate. At the end of the experiment, twenty five chickens were slaughtered for carcass cuts yield and meat quality evaluation. The results indicated that feed intake was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in birds on ration C compared to those on rations A, B, D and E. Similarly the live weight of chickens was significantly (P&lt;0.01) heaviest in group C than those of groups A, B,D and E. Dressing percentage, carcass weight and weight of cuts were also significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher for birds on ration C and lowest weight was recorded for those on ration E. Also the abdominal fat weight was higher for groups D and E with significantly differences (P&lt;0.01) when compared with groups A, B and C. It was the lowest for chickens fed ration C. The percentage of fat in the body was higher in meat samples obtained from birds on rations D and E and lower for those on rations A, B and C. The study concluded that feeding Sclerocarya birrea kernel meal to broiler chicks improved feed intake, the rate of live weight gain though it increased the proportion of body fat in carcass samples when the level increased above 5%. It was recommended further studies be conducted using lower levels of Sclerocarya birrea kernel cake after oil extraction since it is found abundantly, can be obtained at low cost and rich in essential amino acids and fatty acids as well.

Modelling ecological niches of Sclerocarya birrea subspecies in Tanzania under the current and future climates

The information on ecological niches of the Marula tree, Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Horchst. subspecies are needed for sustainable management of this tree, considering its nutritional, economic, and ecological benefits. However, despite Tanzania being regarded as a global genetic center of diversity of S. birrea, information on the subspecies ecological niches is lacking. We aimed to model ecological niches of S. birrea subspecies in Tanzania under the current and future climates. Ecological niches under the current climate were modelled by using ecological niche models in MaxEnt using climatic, edaphic, and topographical variables, and subspecies occurrence data. The Hadley Climate Center and National Center for Atmospheric Research's Earth System Models were used to predict ecological niches under the medium and high greenhouse gases emission scenarios for the years 2050 and 2080. Area under the curves (AUCs) were used to assess the accuracy of the models. The results show that the models were robust, with AUCs of 0.85–0.95. Annual and seasonal precipitation, elevation, and soil cation exchange capacity are the key environmental factors that define the ecological niches of the S. birrea subspecies. Ecological niches of subsp. caffra, multifoliata, and birrea are currently found in 30, 22, and 21 regions, and occupy 184 814 km2, 139 918 km2, and 28 446 km2 of Tanzania's land area respectively, which will contract by 0.4–44% due to climate change. Currently, 31–51% of ecological niches are under Tanzania’s protected areas network. The findings are important in guiding the development of conservation and domestication strategies for the S. birrea subspecies in Tanzania.

Activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K radionuclides in some south African medicinal herbs and their effective ingestion doses

Measurements of 238U, 232Th, and 40K activity concentrations in some commonly used medicinal plant parts have been performed for radiation hazard assessment and as baseline data for health risk monitoring in South Africa and other countries. The mean activity of 238U, 232Th, and 40K was found to be 43.3 Bqkg-1, 33.7 Bqkg-1, and 180 Bqkg-1 in Sclerocarya birrea; 85.0 Bqkg-1, 75.3 Bqkg-1, and 316.7 Bqkg-1 in Cymbopogon citratus; 47.3 Bqkg-1, 37.0 Bqkg-1, and 773.3 Bqkg-1 in Neorautanenia ficifolia; 25.7 Bqkg-1, 30.0 Bqkg-1, and 510 Bqkg-1 in Kigelia africana, respectively. The estimated annual effective dose due to ingestion ranged from 0.013 mSv (Kigelia africana) to 0.032 mSv (Cymbopogon citratus), well within recommended limits for the members of the public. Although the values revealed no hazards from a radiological point of view, it represents a valuable database for regulatory functions.

Yield and Physicochemical Properties of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) Seed Oils among Nine International Provenances Tested in Malawi

Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) is an indigenous fruit tree that is revered for its numerous socioeconomic contributions to human livelihood. Among others, the species is an important source of seed oil that is utilized in various domestic and industrial applications. This study was carried out to assess the yield and physicochemical properties of seed oils among nine international provenances of Sclerocarya birrea (subspecies caffra and birrea) planted in Malawi. Seed oils were obtained using the Soxhlet extraction method while quality parameters were determined using procedures described by the Malawi Bureau of Standards. Oil yield was highest (52.2%) in subspecies birrea (Missira provenance; Mali). Oil moisture content, free fatty acids, acid value, and peroxide value ranged from 0.06 to 076%, 1.96 to 4.07%, 3.91 to 8.13 mg·KOH/g, and 1.84 to 5.15 meq·KOH/g, respectively. Variations in oil yield and physicochemical properties could be attributed to genetic differences and the origin of genotypes. The selection of Sclerocarya birrea for oil production and use should be based on both provenance and subspecies levels. Further studies should study the heritability of the oil content and its physicochemical properties before conclusive decisions on the use of seed for propagation are carried out.

Secondary metabolites produced by endophytic fungi, Alternaria alternata, as potential inhibitors of the human immunodeficiency virus.

Antiretroviral treatment has significantly reduced human immunodeficiency virus infection and mortality. However, the current treatment regimen is limited by adverse side effects, the emergence of drug resistance, and the inability to eliminate viral reservoirs. Here, fifteen endophytic fungi were isolated from Sclerocarya birrea and Hypoxis plants. Crude extracts of Alternaria alternata (strain ID PO4PR1, PO4PR2, and PO2PL1) of the fifteen isolate's crude extracts showed anti-HIV-1 activity in TZM-bl cell line at inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 0.017 to 1.170μg/ml. The three crude extracts also maintained the virus replication inhibition profile on PBMCs and CD4+ T cells at concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 50.2ng/ml. Partial purification using the solid phase extraction and analysis with Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrophotometry showed a diverse profile. The bioactive compounds were identified based on peak area, retention time, similarity index. The major compounds from GC-MS analysis of A. Alternata revealed the existence of cyclotrisiloxane octamethyl (22.92%); Propaninitrile (16,67%); Pyrrolol[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methyl propyl) (10.42%); Silane, diethylethoxy(2-ethoxyethyloxy) (4.17%); Coumarin, 3,4-dihydro-4,5,7-trimethyl- 4,5,7-Trimethyl-2-chromanone (13.7%) and 1,2-Cyclobutanedicarbonitrile (2.08%) with previously reported biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, these bioactive compounds from A. alternata fungal endophytes could be repurposed as potential anti-HIV agents. This study showed the potential of endophytic fungi, Alternaria alternata from S. birrea, and Hypoxis species as producers of anti-HIV compounds.

Are South African Wild Foods the Answer to Rising Rates of Cardiovascular Disease?

The rising burden of cardiovascular disease in South Africa gives impetus to managerial changes, particularly to the available foods in the market. Since there are many economically disadvantaged groups in urban societies who are at the forefront of the CVD burden, initiatives to make healthier foods available should focus on affordability in conjunction with improved phytochemical diversity to incentivize change. The modern obesogenic diet is deficient in phytochemicals that are protective against the metabolic products of sugar metabolism, i.e., inflammation, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial fatigue, whereas traditional southern African food species have high phytochemical diversity and are also higher in soluble dietary fibres that modulate the release of sugars from starches, nurture the microbiome and produce digestive artefacts that are prophylactic against cardiovascular disease. The examples of indigenous southern African food species with high horticultural potential that can be harvested sustainably to feed a large market of consumers include: Aloe marlothii, Acanthosicyos horridus, Adansonia digitata, Aloe ferox, Amaranthus hybridus, Annesorhiza nuda, Aponogeton distachyos, Bulbine frutescens, Carpobrotus edulis, Citrullus lanatus, Dioscorea bulbifera, Dovyalis caffra, Eleusine coracana, Lagenaria siceraria, Mentha longifolia, Momordica balsamina, Pelargonium crispum, Pelargonium sidoides, Pennisetum glaucum, Plectranthus esculentus, Schinziophyton rautanenii, Sclerocarya birrea, Solenostemon rotundifolius, Talinum caffrum, Tylosema esculentum, Vigna unguiculata and Vigna subterranea. The current review explains the importance of phytochemical diversity in the human diet, it gives a lucid explanation of phytochemical groups and links the phytochemical profiles of these indigenous southern African foods to their protective effects against cardiovascular disease.

Nutritional and Phytochemical Variation of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) (Subspecies caffra and birrea) Fruit among Nine International Provenances Tested in Malawi.

Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) is one of the indigenous fruit trees that was selected for domestication in Malawi. This study was conducted to assess nutritional and phytochemical variation of Sclerocarya birrea (subspecies caffra and birrea) fruits planted in an international provenance trial in Malawi. Vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, fat, and fibre content ranged from 6 to 81 mg/100 g; 1.8 to 5.3 mg/100 g; 1.4 to 3.3 mg/100 g; 0.3 to 0.8 mg/100 g; 51.6 to 57.7%; and 4.1 to 6.9%, respectively. Phytochemical scores showed that all nine provenances contained weak (+) concentration of alkaloids. Kalimbeza (Namibia) and Magamba-Turiani (Tanzania) provenances showed moderate (++) concentrations of saponins. Chikhwawa (Malawi), Missira (Mali), and Moamba (Mozambique) provenances had moderate (++) concentrations of tannins. Missira (Mali) and Kalimbeza (Namibia) provenances showed weak (+) concentration of terpenoids. Variations observed in nutritional and phytochemical composition could be attributed to genetic make-up and origin of the genotypes, since all genotypes were planted in the same environment. Therefore, selection of Sclerocarya birrea for domestication purposes should consider the provenance (origin of genotypes) and subspecies levels. Further studies should investigate vegetative propagation and heritability of nutritional and phytochemical traits before the use of seed for propagation.

English

In order to assess the diversity, regeneration and structure of wild edible fruit trees, a study was carried out in the Laf-Madjam forest reserve and its surroundings. A semi-structured interview with local residents and a floristic inventory of woody plants (8 transects of 1000 m &times; 20 m each) were carried out. 24 species were cited as being used by the local residents. A total of 2134 individuals subdivided into 69 species, 43 genera and 27 families were counted, including 448 edible fruit individuals divided into 25 species, 19 genera and 14 families. The latter with important IVIs are: Balanites aegyptiaca , Sclerocarya birrea , Ziziphus mauritiana and Hexalobus monopetalus. Diversity is medium in edible fruit trees (HSI=3.10 bits, E= 0.67). Fruit trees with individuals of diameter &ge; 21 cm are in the majority. Inverted &quot;L&quot; and bell-shaped gaits are observed. The regeneration rate of fruit trees is higher in Annona senegalensis , H. monopetalus , and B. aegyptiaca . The involvement of local people in the management of the reserve&#39;s fruit trees is important for sustainable management. &nbsp; Key words : Edible fruits, Moutourwa, sustainable management, structure, phytodiversity.

Phytochemical profile, anti-glycation effect, and advanced glycation end-products protein cross-link breaking ability of Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark crude extracts

Introduction: Sclerocarya birrea stem-bark is widely used for the treatment of many medical conditions. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of vascular complications of diabetes mellitus. The study, other than phytochemical composition, evaluated the anti-glycation and AGEs-protein cross-link breaking effects of S. birrea stem-bark extracts. Methods: Different S. birrea extracts and aminoguanidine (used as control) were incubated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and glucose/fructose at 37oC for 40 days. Amounts of fluorescent AGEs (FAGEs) and immunogenic AGEs formed were determined. Anti-glycation activity percentage of each extract and aminoguanidine was calculated. Their AGEs-protein cross-link breaking abilities were also assessed. Standard techniques were employed for phytochemical screening. Volatile compounds were identified by means of gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: S. birrea stem-bark n-hexane extract was statistically more effective than aminoguanidine against the formation of total immunogenic AGEs (P&lt;0.05). For FAGEs, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts exerted significantly higher anti-glycation effects than aminoguanidine (P&lt;0.001). Methanol extract exhibited the highest anti-glycation effect with an average IC50 value of 0.142 mg/mL against FAGEs. All extracts were effective in releasing BSA from the preformed collagen-AGEs-BSA cross-links. GC-MS enabled the identification of many biologically important compounds, including campesterol, stigmasterol, and 1-heptatricontanol. Conclusion: S. birrea stem-bark has a potential for usage in the management of complications in uncontrolled glucose metabolism.

Morula Tree: From Fruit to Wine through Spontaneous Fermentation and the Potential of Deriving Other Value-Added Products

Sclerocarya birrea (Morula tree) is one of the indigenous trees bearing wild fruits with various applications in the African communities. Wine is a globally known beverage usually made from grapes; however, recently, other fruits, including wild fruits with a considerable amount of sugars, can be used for making wines. The marula fruit wine is also important in many communities for cultural activities and can be enjoyed by people of varying age groups depending on the age of the product. In recent years, there has been growing interest in shifting from traditional marula winemaking to developing technologies for the marula winemaking process and commercialisation. The process of marula winemaking is similar to the production of grape wines, which entails collection, selection and washing of the fruits; extraction of the juice and mashing; formation and removal of the scum; and ultimately spontaneous fermentation of the resulting juice. The new process in marula winemaking would take into consideration the use of starter cultures as either monoculture or mixed cultures developed from the native marula fruit microbiota and the pasteurisation of the juice. The main challenge or difficulty with marula is the extraction of sugar and other soluble solids from the pulp more than it is for the grapes. The other challenge confronting the sustainability of marula wine is the seasonality of the fruit and poor juice yield. It is therefore imperative to develop strategies to increase the juice yield without affecting the quality, to preserve the marula fruits to ensure the year-round presence of marula fruit wine in the markets and, consequently, to improve the income generation capacity of the households dependent on the product. In addition to achieving a high juice yield, it is imperative to ensure consistent quality wine products. This review gives an overview of the S. birrea subsp. caffra and the biochemical components of the fruits or juice. It also highlights the use of marula fruits for wine production in African communities. The potential economic sustainability of the marula fruit wine is explored, particularly in southern Africa, where the marula tree (Morula) is abundant and the marula fruit wine is popularly produced. The review also examines the opportunities, challenges and future prospects of the marula fruit wine.

Morphological variability of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. subsp. Birrea (Anacardiaceae family) in the Ouaddaï Province, Chad

The involvement of local population in forest management is nowadays a major issue. It is with this in mind that this work was carried out and should lead to the subsequent domestication of the species. Its objective has been to develop strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of the Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst genetic resources. The methodological approach focused on the farmer’s survey and the botanical inventory. The socioeconomic survey was carried out in the villages of Arkou, Kokorguin and Mandafana among the Maba, Massalit, Mimi and Tama populations. One hundred and seventy-two (172) people were involved in the investigation. Botanical analyzes focused on 15 quantitative morphological descriptors. The farmers in the region have a good knowledge of this plant and have an empirical classification system that incorporates 11 criteria according to ethnic groups. The criteria common to the 4 targeted ethnic groups are: the habitat and size of the tree, the dimensions of the fruit, the shape of the fruit, the taste of the pulp and the size of the leaves. The botanical inventory made it possible to determine the discriminating morphological descriptors for this species in the region. These are: the height of the first large branch (0.016 &lt;0.05), the height of the tree (0.029 &lt;0.05) and the average diameter of the crown (0.008 &lt;0.01). Analysis of the different descriptors revealed 4 morphotypes in Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich.) Hochst. This information opens up better prospects for varietal selection and domestication of this species in the area.

Effect of pedo-climatic conditions on physicochemical characteristics and agro-industrial potential of three native oilseeds fruits from Burkina Faso

BackgroundPlants are greatly affected by pedoclimatic conditions. They can alter the physiology of plants and affect seeds agro-morphological and physicochemical characteristics. It is therefore conceivable that tree species which have a potential as oil/fat producing plants are affected by pedoclimatic conditions variability. This study aims to evaluate the effect of pedoclimatic conditions variation on the physicochemical characteristics and the agro-industrial potential of three oilseeds fruits from Burkina Faso: Balanites aegyptiaca, Sclerocarya birrea and Lannea microcarpa.ResultsA characterization of the size, chemical composition and weight of 100 seeds of the three native oilseeds from Banfora (Sudanian zone), Ouagadougou (Sudano-Sahelian zone) and Ouahigouya (Sahelian zone) was carried out. Results showed that seed size, seed weight and chemical composition varied significantly according to the pedoclimatic zone of the collection significant correlations between seed size, 100-seed weight, total ash and also for seed oil content and moisture have also been revealed. Principal component analysis (PCA) associated increases in seed size and total ash content with high annual rainfall and low temperature areas, while increases in seed oil content were associated with low rainfall and high annual temperature areas.ConclusionSeed size and seed weight were associated with high rainfall and low temperature, while high temperature and low rainfall were associated with oil accumulation in the seeds. However, the limit number of replications of physicochemical characteristics analyses, a limitation of the study, does not allow an exhaustive conclusion to be drawn from the study.