Identification And Selection Of Superior Phenotypes Of Uapaca Kirkiana  Muell Arg.  (Euphorbiaceae), A Priority Indigenous Fruit Tree Of Zimbabwe

Patient D. Dhliwayo-Chiunzi Dr; Ignatious Matimati A/Prof; Barbara Kachigunda

Back

Identification And Selection Of Superior Phenotypes Of Uapaca Kirkiana Muell Arg. (Euphorbiaceae), A Priority Indigenous Fruit Tree Of Zimbabwe

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Identification And Selection Of Superior Phenotypes Of Uapaca Kirkiana Muell Arg. (Euphorbiaceae), A Priority Indigenous Fruit Tree Of Zimbabwe

Patient D. Dhliwayo-Chiunzi Dr, Ignatious Matimati A/Prof and Barbara Kachigunda

International science and technology journal of Namibia, Vol.4, pp.7-22

2014

Files and links (1)

pdf

Published349.90 kBDownload View

Open Access

Abstract

cluster analysis, fruit, pulp, size, selection, TSS%

Forestry management and environment

Tree improvement (incl. selection and breeding)

Food sciences not elsewhere classified

Conservation and biodiversity

Nutrition

Terrestrial biodiversity

The International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF now known as the World Agroforestry Centre) initiated research and development work on at least 20 priority indigenous fruit trees in 5 countries in Southern Africa including Zimbabwe. The long term objective of this work was to improve food security and income generating capacities of local communities through domestication, marketing and commercialisation of indigenous fruit trees. Country specific priority species were identified based on consultations with a wide range of users. For Zimbabwe, Uapaca kirkiana emerged as a priority species with economic potential and has since become the focus of intensive research. A study aimed at identifying and selecting superior phenotypes of U. Dhliwayo-Chiunzi et al. /ISTJN 2014, 4:7-22. Phenotypes Of U. Kirkiana Muell Arg. phenotypes. Tree location and altitude were recorded using the Geographical Positioning System (GPS). Fruit size, colour, shape were recorded. Total Soluble Solutes (TSS %) was measured using a hand refractometer. The largest fruits (42.3 g/fruit) were collected from Gokwe (ICR03GokZW41) whilst the smallest fruits (9.1 g/fruit) were collected from Rusape (ICR03RusZW53). Fresh fruit weight was strongly correlated to the seed weight (r = 0.813). Fruits with higher pulp content had a lower seed weight (r = −0.452). Fruits from Gokwe and Masvingo had higher TSS percentage. Basing on stakeholders' selection criteria and laboratory analysis, 23 trees above the mean fruit weight (20.63 g/fruit) were classified as large, whilst 24 trees with pulp content above the mean of 45.18% were classed as pulpy and 22 trees with TSS above 19.53% were classed as sweet. Similarity of the phenotypes was determined through complete linkage in hierarchical cluster analysis. Clustering confirmed the characterisation by farmers using taste as a key method of selecting suitable phenotypes. In-situ conservation and establishment of clones from the selected trees is recommended for purposes of com-mercialising these superior phenotypes.

Details

Title: Identification And Selection Of Superior Phenotypes Of Uapaca Kirkiana Muell Arg. (Euphorbiaceae), A Priority Indigenous Fruit Tree Of Zimbabwe
Authors/Creators: Patient D. Dhliwayo-Chiunzi Dr (Corresponding Author) - Harare Institute of Technology
Ignatious Matimati A/Prof (Author) - Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Barbara Kachigunda (Author) - Murdoch University, Centre for Biosecurity and One Health
Publication Details: International science and technology journal of Namibia, Vol.4, pp.7-22
Publisher: University of Nambia
Identifiers: 991005648269307891
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Biosecurity and One Health
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

Metrics

10 File views/ downloads

76 Record Views