Genetic Diversity, Domestication and Conservation Implications of Fruit Morphometric data Analyses for Dacryodes edulis in Southern Nigeria

Omonhinmin, Conrad A. and Idu, M. (2012) Genetic Diversity, Domestication and Conservation Implications of Fruit Morphometric data Analyses for Dacryodes edulis in Southern Nigeria. Journal of Plant Development Sciences, 4 (2). pp. 167-173. ISSN 2348-9170

PDF Download (418kB)

Abstract

Dacryodes edulis - African Pear is of socio-economic importance in the Southern region of Nigeria where it is a major auxiliary revenue source for farmers. Cluster and Principal Component analyses of the fruit data showed three distinct groupings: small-sized fruit, large-sized fruit and an intermediary group of mixed fruit types. These reflect the cadre of genetic diversity inherent in the taxon and constitute a possible veritable tool for its improvement. Notwithstanding, the diversity, the prevailing spread pattern of the taxon across the region threatens to erode a section of the species genetic richness; the small-sized fruit types - var. parvicarpa, as well as undermine the genetic integrity of large-sized fruit - var. edulis population. The trend is driven by a vendor/farmer preference for the large-sized fruit type across the region, and except there is delibrate In situ and Ex situ conservation efforts, these intraspecific diversities of the species may be lost altogether.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QK Botany
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences > School of Biological Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr. Conrad Asotie Omonhinmin
Date Deposited:	11 Apr 2016 15:36
Last Modified:	13 Apr 2017 08:09
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/6537

Actions (login required)

View Item