Title:

Domestication potential of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea subsp. Caffra) in South Africa and Namibia: 3. Multiple trait selection

Author(s):
Publication Year:
2005
Abstract:

An understanding of the inter-relationships between the traits characterising tree-to-tree variation in fruits and kernels is fundamental to the development of selected cultivars based on multiple trait selection. Using data from previously characterised marula (Sclerocarya birrea) trees in Bushbuckridge, South Africa and North Central Region of Namibia, this study examines the relationships between the different traits (fruit pulp, flesh/juice mass, and nut shell and kernel mass) as a means to determine the opportunities to develop cultivars. Strong and highly significant relationships were found between fruit mass and pulp mass in trees from South Africa and Namibia, indicating that size is a good predictor of fruit pulp production. Keywords: cultivar, domestication, ideotype, indigenous fruits, kernel oil.

Publication Title:

Agroforestry Systems

Volume:
64
Issue:
1
Pages:
51 - 59
Item Type:
Journal Article
Language:
en

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