Tree-to-tree variation in fruits of three populations of Trichoscypha acuminata (Engl.) in Cameroon

• Published in: Scientific African 2020-03, Vol.7, p.e00235, Article e00235
• Main Authors: Tsobeng, Alain, Akem, Michael, Avana, Marie-Louise, Muchugi, Alice, Degrande, Ann, Tchoundjeu, Zacharie, Jamnadass, Ramni, Na'a, Fabiola
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fruit traits; Fruit tree domestication; Germination; Phenotypic variation
• ISSN: 2468-2276; 2468-2276
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2019.e00235

•Fruit traits have a broad genetic variability and would vary from tree-to-tree.•Fruit mass and pulp thickness were highly correlated and determinant for selection, including fruit diameter as observed within trees.•Nkenglikok locality offered the best trees with respect to superior traits for selection.•Seed germination was affected both by genetic origin and environmental factors like, Climate and soil. Within tree species, phenotypic variation is common and this can affect a species’ domestication. This study was therefore conducted to assess the phenotypic variation in Trichoscypha acuminata fruits in three populations (Nkenglikok, Ndengue and Nkoemvone) in the humid forest zone of Cameroon in view of understanding its selection potential for domestication. A total of 1080 fruits were collected for assessment from 45 trees. The measured traits were fruit diameter (FD), pulp thickness (PT), fruit mass (FM), seed mass (SM), pulp + shell mass (PM+Shell) and germination percentage. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA. Means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) (p = 5%). The results showed that significant (p