Contents
Academic literature on the topic 'Baobab fruit'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the lists of relevant articles, books, theses, conference reports, and other scholarly sources on the topic 'Baobab fruit.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Journal articles on the topic "Baobab fruit"
1
Taylor, Peter J., Catherine Vise, Macy A. Krishnamoorthy, Tigga Kingston, and Sarah Venter. "Citizen Science Confirms the Rarity of Fruit Bat Pollination of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) Flowers in Southern Africa." Diversity 12, no. 3 (March 19, 2020): 106. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/d12030106.
Full textAbstract:
The iconic African baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) has “chiropterophilous” flowers that are adapted for pollination by fruit bats. Although bat pollination of baobabs has been documented in east and west Africa, it has not been confirmed in southern Africa where it has been suggested that hawk moths (Nephele comma) may also be involved in baobab pollination. We used a citizen science approach to monitor baobab tree and flower visitors from dusk till midnight at 23 individual baobab trees over 27 nights during the flowering seasons (November–December) of 2016 and 2017 in northern South Africa and southern Zimbabwe (about 1650 visitors). Insect visitors frequently visited baobab flowers, including hawk moths, but, with one exception in southeastern Zimbabwe, no fruit bats visited flowers. Citizen science enabled us to substantiate preliminary conclusions about the relative importance of moth versus bat pollination of baobabs in southern Africa, with important implications for resource management.
2
Braca, Alessandra, Chiara Sinisgalli, Marinella De Leo, Beatrice Muscatello, Pier Luigi Cioni, Luigi Milella, Angela Ostuni, Sergio Giani, and Rokia Sanogo. "Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab) from Mali, as a Source of Health-Promoting Compounds." Molecules 23, no. 12 (November 27, 2018): 3104. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/molecules23123104.
Full textAbstract:
Background: Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae), also known as baobab, is a tree attracting recent interest especially due to the high nutritional value of the fruit pulp. However, few studies are reported on the secondary metabolite content, showing high variability depending on the geographic region. Methods: In this study, the chemical profiles of Malian commercial baobab fruits and leaves, focused on phenolic content, were investigated by HPLC coupled with a photodiode array (PDA)/UV and an electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometer (MS) and gas chromatography (GC)/MS. In addition, the extracts of fruit pulps obtained from three different markets (Fruits 1, 2, and 3) were evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition. Results: Baobab fruit pulps were found to be rich in procyanidins and flavonol glycosides, with tiliroside as the major constituent. The baobab leaves showed a similar profile respect to the fruits, but with more detected phenolics. All fruit pulp extracts exerted antioxidant activity (highest for Fruit 3) and higher α-glucosidase inhibition than acarbose used as standard. Conclusions: This study confirmed the variability of baobab with different origins and indicated Malian species baobab as a promising source of health-promoting substances.
3
Acham, Israel Okpunyi, Mike Ojotu Eke, and Joseph Edah. "Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory quality of juice mix produced from watermelon fruit pulp and baobab fruit pulp powder." Croatian journal of food science and technology 12, no. 1 (May 29, 2020): 48–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.17508/cjfst.2020.12.1.07.
Full textAbstract:
Juice blending is one of the methods that can improve the nutritional quality of juices. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of juice product produced from blends of watermelon fruit pulp juice and baobab fruit pulp powder. This study was also aimed at promoting the use of underutilized African baobab and leverage on the benefits that can be derived from blending these two wonderful plant resources. Four blend ratios and codes of 100:0 (W100), 80:20 (W80B20), 60:40 (W60B40) and 50:50 (W50B50) were developed for watermelon fruit pulp juice and baobab fruit pulp powder, respectively. The physicochemical attributes, mineral composition, microbiological and sensory attributes of the samples were analyzed using standard methods. The increase in baobab fruit pulp powder concentration in watermelon fruit pulp juice increased the titratable acidity (0.24 to 0.48 %), total sugar content (6.0 to7.85 oBrix), total solid (1.30 to 1.37 %), viscosity (473.67 to 730.30 cP), Vitamin C (126.25 to 236.70 mg/100 mL), Vitamin A (18.67 to 80.33 mg/100 mL), calcium (1.97 to 3.46 %), potassium (1.09 to 2.07 %) and iron (3.10 to 4.43 ppm) contents, while decreasing the pH (5.19 to 4.08), total viable count (4.0×104 to 2.0×102 cfu/mL), yeast and mould count (3.2×104 to 0.0×100 cfu/mL) as well as sensory attributes whose values ranged from 3.80 to 7.60 on a 9-point hedonic scale. Therefore, blending watermelon fruit pulp juice and baobab fruit pulp powder has the ability to enhance the physicochemical , micronutrient content, microbiological and sensory characteristics of the samples.
4
Darr, Dietrich, Chifundo Chopi-Msadala, Collins Duke Namakhwa, Kathrin Meinhold, and Chimuleke Munthali. "Processed Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Food Products in Malawi: From Poor Men’s to Premium-Priced Specialty Food?" Forests 11, no. 6 (June 23, 2020): 698. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f11060698.
Full textAbstract:
The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) is an important source of non-timber forest products in sub-Saharan Africa. Its fruits contain high amounts of vitamin C, calcium, and dietary fibre. In addition, other parts of the tree are traditionally used for human consumption, particularly during lean seasons. In line with the increasing demand for natural, healthy, and nutritious food products, the baobab has great potential to contribute to human nutrition and rural livelihoods. In Malawi, where demand for baobab has substantially increased within the last decade, baobab fruits are being processed into a variety of food and non-food products, such as fruit juice, ice-lollies, sweets, and cosmetics. Yet, information on the sociodemographic background and quality preferences of baobab consumers is scanty. The current study, therefore, aimed to (1) map the diversity of baobab products available in Malawi; (2) determine consumer segments and their preferences for the most common baobab food products; and (3) examine the contribution of major attributes of processed baobab food products on their price. We employed a mixed-methods approach including the analysis of 132 baobab products and a survey of 141 consumers in formal and informal retail outlets, adopting multistage and purposive sampling. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using cluster analysis, cross tabulation, and hedonic regression. Results pointed to two distinct consumer segments for baobab food products, largely following the formal–informal product divide currently existing in Malawi. Both segments clearly differed with regard to preferred product attributes. We also showed that extrinsic product attributes such as packaging quality, labelling, conformity with food standards, or health claims provided distinct differentiation potential for baobab food manufacturers. In addition to providing empirical evidence for the transition of baobab food products into higher-value market segments, our results can help food processing enterprises to improve the composition and marketing of their baobab products.
5
Tavarwisa, Delight Michael, Chido Govera, Moses Mutetwa, and Wonder Ngezimana. "Evaluating the Suitability of Baobab Fruit Shells as Substrate for Growing Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)." International Journal of Agronomy 2021 (February 27, 2021): 1–7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/6620686.
Full textAbstract:
The baobab fruit shells were evaluated for their suitability as a substrate for growing oyster mushrooms and compared to three base substrates (wheat straw, maize cobs, and sawdust) of 1 kg dry weight. The duration of developmental stages, mycelium vigor, yield, and biological efficiency of the oyster mushroom from the four different substrates were recorded. Yields from the first 3 harvests (flushes) were considered, as they were the most productive ones. Wheat straw demonstrated significantly ( p < 0.05 ) higher mycelial colonization rate taking an average of 23 days to complete full spawn run followed by baobab fruit shells, sawdust, and maize cobs which took averages of 25.8, 27.2, and 29.5 days, respectively. Baobab fruit shells had the longest number of days taken between full spawn run and first pinhead formation with an average of 14.4 days which was significantly different ( p < 0.05 ) to the wheat straw, sawdust, and maize cobs which had 7.4, 9.4, and 10.5 days. The highest yield was observed on the sawdust which had an average of 682 g followed by wheat straw with 594 g. Maize cobs and baobab fruit shells had the least yield of 518 g and 482 g, respectively. The results showed that baobab fruit shells could be used as a substrate for the cultivation of oyster mushrooms and it can be recommended for commercial cultivation of oyster mushrooms.
6
Garvey, Rebecca, Miriam Clegg, and Shelly Coe. "The acute effects of baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata) on satiety in healthy adults." Nutrition and Health 23, no. 2 (April 17, 2017): 83–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0260106017704361.
Full textAbstract:
Background: The baobab fruit is high in both dietary fibre and polyphenols and therefore may increase satiety. The aim of the study was to measure the effects of baobab fruit extract on satiety. Methods: The study was conducted on 20 healthy participants. The study was a one-day single-blind crossover design. Participants were randomised to either a test smoothie consisting of 15 g of baobab extract or a control smoothie without the addition of baobab. Subjective ratings of satiety were taken on visual analogue scales immediately pre-consumption and then post-consumption, and energy intake at a post ad libitum meal was recorded. Results: Subjective measures of hunger were reduced following the test smoothie compared with the control ( p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in calorie intake at an ad libitum meal. Conclusions: This research has positive implications for the use of baobab for reducing hunger, possibly having a positive effect on weight maintenance.
7
Agbohessou, M., K. V. Salako, R. Idohou, R. C. Gbedomon, A. Hounkpèvi, F. J. Chadare, R. Glèlè Kakaï, and A. E. Assogbadjo. "Status of vegetative propagation of baobab: A review." African Crop Science Journal 28, s1 (October 2, 2020): 215–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/acsj.v28i1.16s.
Full textAbstract:
The African baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is a large tree of great socio-economic and cultural importance in Africa, with almost all the parts of the species used for various purposes. A major concern about baobab fruit pulp production is the long time it takes for first fruiting (about 15 years). Vegetative propagation offers several advantages with regard to consumers’ preferences and precociousness of fructification. The objective of this study was to synthesise existent knowledge related to vegetative propagation methods of baobab and examine future prospects for improving the species propagation. This will ultimately contribute to better integrate baobab-based agroforestry systems into the diversification and poverty alleviation programmes. It is clear that cutting, grafting and in vitro multiplication are the vegetative propagation methods already tested on baobab. The success of grafting methods ranges from 10 to 89%, depending on the technique used. The Murashige and Skoog environment, supplemented with or without growth regulator hormones is by far the best condition for the in vitro reactivity of baobab explants, regardless of their types. With regards to cuttings, the average success rates stand around 30% when Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) hormone is used. Other approaches such as marcotting techniques are yet to be tested and data on fruit production using these techniques are still needed in order to determine the best promising method for rapid and efficient vegetative propagation of baobab.
8
Mamman, S., B. S. Shuaibu, and J. A. Yusuf. "EXPLORING THE NUTRITIONAL AND MINERAL COMPOSITIONS OF BAOBAB (Adansonia digitata L) FRUIT PULP AND SEED." FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES 5, no. 2 (July 1, 2021): 128–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2021-0501-604.
Full textAbstract:
This research presents the proximate and elemental compositions of Baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata L.) The proximate analysis gives the composition of the biomass in terms of gross components such as moisture, volatile matter, ash and fixed carbon. In this study, the proximate composition was determined using standard methods (AOAC) while the mineral content was analysed with the aid of an Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Flame Photometry. Minerals are micronutrients that occur in foods in minute amounts but are very essential for body metabolism. The results revealed that Baobab seed and pulp are rich in crude protein, fat, carbohydrate and total ash contents. The high amount of total ash (3.15 0.05 %) and (4.65 0.55 %) present in the seed and pulp respectively suggests that they both possess high level of inorganic matter; thus, having high amount of minerals. The study also shows that Baoba seed and pulp have high economic value and are good and cheap sources of mineral element such as calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper and zinc. For these reasons, they can be incorporated into food supplements for both humans and animals, also could have industrial applications
9
Foltz, Martin, Alicia Christin Zahradnik, Pieter Van den Abbeele, Jonas Ghyselinck, and Massimo Marzorati. "A Pectin-Rich, Baobab Fruit Pulp Powder Exerts Prebiotic Potential on the Human Gut Microbiome In Vitro." Microorganisms 9, no. 9 (September 17, 2021): 1981. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9091981.
Full textAbstract:
Increasing insight into the impact of the gut microbiota on human health has sustained the development of novel prebiotic ingredients. This exploratory study evaluated the prebiotic potential of baobab fruit pulp powder, which consists of pectic polysaccharides with unique composition as compared to other dietary sources, given that it is rich in low methoxylated homogalacturonan (HG). After applying dialysis procedures to remove simple sugars from the product (simulating their absorption along the upper gastrointestinal tract), 48 h fecal batch incubations were performed. Baobab fruit pulp powder boosted colonic acidification across three simulated human adult donors due to the significant stimulation of health-related metabolites acetate (+18.4 mM at 48 h), propionate (+5.5 mM at 48 h), and to a lesser extent butyrate (0.9 mM at 48 h). Further, there was a trend of increased lactate levels (+2.7 mM at 6h) and reduced branched chain fatty acid (bCFA) levels (−0.4 mM at 48 h). While Bacteroidetes levels increased for all donors, donor-dependent increases in Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, and Firmicutes were observed, stressing the potential interindividual differences in microbial composition modulation upon Baobab fruit pulp powder treatment. Overall, Baobab fruit pulp powder fermentation displayed features of selective utilization by host microorganisms and, thus, has promising prebiotic potential (also in comparison with the ‘gold standard’ prebiotic inulin). Further research will be required to better characterize this prebiotic potential, accounting for the interindividual differences, while aiming to unravel the potential resulting health benefits.
10
Cicolari, Stefania, Marco Dacrema, Arold Jorel Tsetegho Sokeng, Jianbo Xiao, Achille Parfait Atchan Nwakiban, Carmen Di Giovanni, Cristina Santarcangelo, Paolo Magni, and Maria Daglia. "Hydromethanolic Extracts from Adansonia digitata L. Edible Parts Positively Modulate Pathophysiological Mechanisms Related to the Metabolic Syndrome." Molecules 25, no. 12 (June 21, 2020): 2858. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/molecules25122858.
Full textAbstract:
Metabolic syndrome includes a cluster of risk factors for many pathological conditions, including hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Adansonia digitata L. (also known as baobab) is used in traditional African Medicine and recent studies showed that it improves the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of action associated with the beneficial effects of extracts from the edible parts of baobab (fruit pulp, leaves, raw and toasted seeds), evaluating their inhibitory activity against: alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, angiotensin-converting enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, and pancreatic lipase. Baobab fruit pulp and leaf extracts resulted to be the most active ones and were then tested on the differentiation process of SW-872 human liposarcoma cells to mature adipocytes. The addition of these latter extracts did not affect triglyceride accumulation, indicating a neutral impact on this parameter. The findings here reported help to explain the growing amount of evidence on the biological properties of baobab and provide suggestions about their use in food and nutraceutical fields.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic "Baobab fruit"
1
Tembo, David Tryson. "Optimisation of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit processing and handling techniques for increased human nutrition and commercialisation in Malawi." Thesis, University of Leeds, 2016. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/16032/.
Full textAbstract:
The influence of thermal processing and preservation techniques on selected bioactive compounds of baobab fruit pulp and juice from Malawi were analysed using RP-HPLC whereas total phenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were measured by spectrophotometry. 1H NMR-based metabolomics was used to compare the metabolic profile of untreated (UT), high temperature short time (HTST) pasteurised and high temperature short time pasteurised with added citric acid (CAHTST) baobab juice samples and to analyse the temporal changes upon different storage conditions. Malawi baobab pulp contains high levels of procyanidin B2 (533.3 ± 22.6 mg/100 g FW), vitamin C (465.8 ± 2.5 mg/100 g FW), gallic acid (68.5 ± 12.4 mg/100 g FW) and (-)-epicatechin (43.0 ± 3.0 mg/100 g FW) and showed high TPC and antioxidant activity. Vitamin C content of dry baobab pulp and 10% juice (w/v) was retained during heat treatment by microwaving and pasteurisation (72 °C, 15 s) respectively. However vitamin C level in pasteurised juice significantly decreased during storage compared to untreated control, suggesting the demand for advanced processing methods including non-thermal pasteurisation. Seed liquor enhanced phenolic compounds in the juice but its influence on vitamin C needs further investigation. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of 1H NMR data produced distinct clusters separated according to treatment and storage conditions. For HTST and CAHTST juice samples, the most important accumulating metabolites were fructose, glucose and galacturonic acid, while sucrose decreased over time. The more rapid production of ethanol in UT juice is a clear indication that pasteurisation of juice alone or in combination with the addition of citric acid can minimise fermentation in baobab juice. Results from this study will enhance understanding of composition of baobab fruit products and promote development of quality novel functional foods to tackle malnutrition as well as expand market opportunities for Malawi.
2
Kivoloka, Flávio Pedro. "Estudo para valorização da polpa do fruto da Adansonia digitata L." Master's thesis, ISA/UL, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/9205.
Full textAbstract:
Mestrado em Engenharia Alimentar - Qualidade e Segurança Alimentar - Instituto Superior de AgronomiaThe present study had as main goal the characterization of Adansonia digitata L .fruit, focusing on three specific aspects: physical and chemical description of the fruit pulp, extraction studies and development of drinks based on baobab pulp. The pulp characterization, showed low values for water activity and humidity, high content in essential minerals and a low pH. The pulp was also characterized regarding the total phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant activity. The results showed high values of total phenols in aqueous solutions, 512 and 603 mg EAG/100mg at room temperature and at 37ºC respectively, an antioxidant activity of 44,36umolTE/g at room temperature and 49,48umolTE/g to 37ºC, determined by the DPPH method and values of vitamin C of 73mg/100 at 37ºC and 125mg/100g at room temperature. In the extraction studies, the relation between solvent/solute was tested as well the influence of temperature during the extractions (room temperature and 37ºC). In this studies we were able to define the relation 3:1 (solvent/solute) and the temperature of 37ºC as the results with better yields. The last part of this work, was the developing of two drinks based on baobab and banana pulp. With this work we were able to conclude that, baobab pulp presents a good nutritional value and the lyophilization process didn’t changed the proprieties of the analyzed fruit
3
Nangolo, Ester Magano. "Fruiting and seed production of producer and poor-producer baobab trees and on different land use types in Northern Venda, South Africa." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/21065.
Full textAbstract:
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Environmental Sciences by Coursework and Research Report.
Johannesburg
24 March 2016In southern Africa, the baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is an economically important trees because it contributes significantly to the livelihoods of local people, particularly in northern Limpopo in South Africa (the southern-most edge of the baobab distribution). All parts of the baobab are useful and considered important for subsistence and commercial uses. Understanding factors that affect fruit and seed production is important to better characterize the long-term success of tree populations. Some adult baobab trees have high fruit production (50 −299 fruits per tree, per year) and are subsequently called ‘producers’ or ‘female’ trees, while there are other trees that produce fewer fruits (< 5 fruits per tree, per year) that are called ‘poor-producers’ or ‘male’ trees. For this study, baobab fruit dimensions (mass, length, volume and ratio) were, measured and compared between artificially- and naturally-pollinated producer and poor-producer trees. Fruit dimensions were also correlated to the number of seeds per fruit. Using 2D geometric morphometric analysis, baobab fruit shapes were analyzed and compared to determine if fruit shape differs between fruits formed on producer and poor-producer baobab trees. I found no significant difference in fruit shape between producer and poor-producer baobab trees. Although, artificially-pollinated trees produced bigger and more uniform shaped fruits and contained more seeds in comparison to the smaller unevenly shaped fruits produced by naturally-pollinated trees. Furthermore, I compared fruit and seed production between naturally-pollinated producer/poor-producer and between artificially-pollinated producer/poor-producer trees that occur on different land use types (i.e. nature reserves, rocky outcrops, plains, fields (land use for agricultural purposes) and villages) in Northern Venda, South Africa. There was a significant difference in fruit and seed production between naturally and artificially-pollinated producer and poor producer trees that occur on different land use types. On average, producer trees yielded more seeds than poor-producer trees. The highest fruit and seed production was recorded in fields and villages. Seed mass variation also differed significantly between producer and poor-producer trees and between the different land use types. A very weak negative relationship between baobab seed number and mass was found in both producer and poor-producer baobab trees. Baobab seed viability was estimated using a 0.1% tetrazolium solution, 100% viability was found in all tested seeds from both producer and poor-producer baobab trees. Result of this study may aid with the identification of land use types where baobabs have the lowest seed production and therefore require additional conservation effort to ensure that fruits are harvested sustainably. The estimation of seed production may improve the ability to estimate the total seed oil that is available in each land use type.
M T 2016
4
Tivakudze, Ronie. "Assessing ploidy-level and gene flow between baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit producers and poor producers in Limpopo." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/14928.
Full textAbstract:
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science by coursework and research report. Johannesburg, 13 May 2014.The African baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a multi-purpose tree that is important among African villages as it provides food and a range of raw materials. Its fruits provide essential nutrients and are sold to generate income. As baobab fruits are important to the livelihoods of many people, it is important to understand the causes of differences in fruit production in order to maximise use and for conservation purposes. Many studies have examined fruit production to understand the causes of variation in fruit yields. In Venda, a region northern South Africa, differences in baobab fruit yield has been recorded for 8 years, thus classifying individual trees as either poor producers or producers (Venter and Witkowski, 2011). Poor producers are adult trees producing less than five fruits each year and some not producing at all. On the other hand, adult trees producing more than five fruits each year are referred as producers. Causes of this difference in fruit production have not been identified. Among other factors, the observed difference in fruit production could be related to differences in ploidy-level among baobab trees. Importantly, few or no studies to our knowledge have been carried out to confirm whether differences in fruit production among baobab trees are related to a difference in ploidy-level. The well-known and widespread mainland African baobab, Adansonia digitata, is known to be a tetraploid (four sets of chromosomes). Recently, a difference in ploidy-level has been revealed. A new diploid species, Adansonia kilima, has been identified in Africa (Pettigrew et al., 2012). Morphological characteristics (floral, pollen, and stomatal size and density), ploidy, and molecular phylogenetics suggest the presence of a new species. This new species has been reported to overlap the well-known and widespread tetraploid A. digitata’s distribution in Venda. Consequently, the presence of a diploid species that reproduces with a tetraploid species could result in triploid progeny and contribute to the observed differences in fruit production in these baobab trees. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess if there is any difference in ploidy-level between the poor producer and producer baobab trees in Venda using flow cytometry, (ii) to assess if stomatal density and size correlate to differences in ploidy-level, and (iii) to use microsatellites to estimate levels of gene flow between these baobab trees. Morphological results showed that stomatal size and density were not significantly different between poor producer and producer trees and these features may not be true indicators of difference in ploidy-level for baobabs. Gene flow results showed that there was high mean genetic heterozygosity and low population differentiation expressed in all populations. This suggests that inbreeding was not responsible for the differences in fruit production between poor producer and producer trees. Low population differentiation observed among the populations indicated that a large number of common alleles were shared among the populations. Therefore, the high gene flow observed among the populations suggests that poor producer and producer trees were sharing alleles, and what is causing the differences in fruit production remains unclear.
5
Mugangavari, Beaulah. "Exploring the potential of sustainable utilisation of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) to improve food security. A case study of the south-east lowveld of Zimbabwe." Diss., 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/26198.
Full textAbstract:
The baobab tree represents a major contribution to rural communities of the south-east lowveld of Zimbabwe. The livelihood base of the study area was largely rain-fed subsistence farming whose production has declined due to frequent droughts. Harvesting of baobab tree products; leaves, fruits and bark fibre, has prospered due to poverty. These products are harvested for food, medicinal use, cash and animal harness. A mixed method approach on collection of data was employed through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, 48-hour dietary recall and Household Food Insecurity Access Prevalence (HFIAP) template. Sixty-eight households from Wengezi and Gudyanga communities participated in this study. All the respondents from the study area indicated they were involved in using baobab products in one way or the other. According to the information collected by the HFIAP template, 76% of the households were moderate to severe food insecure. Baobab bark harvesting was common in the Gudyanga and harvesters were aware of sustainable way of harvesting it. Value-addition on baobab fruit pulp to make ice-lollies and seeds roasted to produce a coffee substitute was practised by youth projects with the help of a non-governmental organisation. Ninety-five percent of the households in the study area were in support of the idea of possible baobab tree commercial cultivation in the community. The support was in anticipation of job opportunities and reduced food insecurity.Agriculture and Animal Health
M. Sc. (Agriculture)