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Perceived variation of fruit traits, and preferences in African locust bean [Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth.] in Benin: implications for domestication

  • Notes on Neglected and Underutilized Crops
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Abstract

Understanding folk classification system of perceived variation and preferences in fruit traits are necessary to effectively engage farmers in the domestication of wild edible fruit tree species. Social attributes can help to better understand perception of variation, and preferences. We focused on Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth., a valuable fruit tree in Benin, examining the folk classification systems and preferences for fruit morphotypes, and the extent to which they are related to social attributes in the two major climatic zones of its occurrence in Benin. Using random sampling, we selected 648 informants for individual semi-structured interviews which focused on recognized morphotypes, local classification system, and both desirable and undesirable traits related to pod, pulp, and seeds. Data were analyzed using relative frequency of citation, and principal component analysis. Informants used similar criteria to differentiate fruits of species including pod shape (RFC = 100%), pulp yield (RFC = 100%) and number of seeds per pod (RFC = 99.84%), color (RFC = 100%) and taste (RFC = 99.84%) of pulp as well as brightness (RFC = 99.07%) and color (RFC = 100%) of seed. Informant’s preferences were marked for fruits containing large number of seeds with larger size and of good seed quality. Sweetness of the pulp was also mentioned, though some differences were noted among gender and sociolinguistic groups. Our findings provide essential information for decision-making for effective domestication initiatives. To advance further domestication, while conserving essential genetic resources, quantitative morphological and molecular characterization of the observed variations in P. biglobosa are needed.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the present study are available from the authors upon request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors express their gratitude to the local communities who freely shared their knowledge about African locust trees. We also thank Gabin Ganka and Benoît Gnarigo for their invaluable help in the field data collection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d’Estimations Forestières, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, 04 BP 1525, Cotonou, Bénin

    J. S. H. Houndonougbo, V. K. Salako, R. Idohou, A. E. Assogbadjo & R. Glèlè Kakaï

  2. Laboratoire d’Ecologie Appliquée, Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, 01 BP 526, Cotonou, Bénin

    J. S. H. Houndonougbo, B. Kassa & A. E. Assogbadjo

  3. Ecole de Gestion et de Production Végétale et Semencière, Université Nationale d’Agriculture, BP 43, Kétou, Bénin

    R. Idohou

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  1. J. S. H. Houndonougbo
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  2. B. Kassa
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  3. V. K. Salako
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  4. R. Idohou
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  5. A. E. Assogbadjo
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  6. R. Glèlè Kakaï
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Correspondence to J. S. H. Houndonougbo.

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Houndonougbo, J.S.H., Kassa, B., Salako, V.K. et al. Perceived variation of fruit traits, and preferences in African locust bean [Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth.] in Benin: implications for domestication. Genet Resour Crop Evol 67, 1315–1329 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-020-00915-6

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