Variation in fruits and seeds traits of Saba senegalensis (A. DC.) Pichon along a climatic gradient in Burkina Faso, West Africa: implications for its sustainable management

Environmental heterogeneity and genetic variation may be reflected in the within-species variation of different fruit traits. These traits related variations are important for guiding the process of adapting wild plants for human use through domestication. Saba senegalensis (A.DC.) Pichon is a multi-purpose woody liana found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. It has high nutritional and economic values. Yet, limited research has been undertaken to understand the role of genetic status and the environment on the intraspecific variation in S. senegalensis individuals. This study investigated the variations in fruit and seed traits of S. senegalensis along a climatic gradient in Burkina Faso, sub-Sahara Africa. A total of 900 mature fruits were collected from 180 randomly selected parent trees from six sites along a climatic gradient in the Sudanian and Sudano-sahelian zones. We measured seven fruit traits(length, width, weight, pericarp thickness, number of seeds per fruit, pulp weight, and sugar rate) and three seed traits(length, width, and weight).The data collected was used to calculate broad-sense heritability and we also performed a Random Forest analysis to detect the most influential environmental variables in fruit and seed traits variability. The variation in fruit and seed traits was mainly determined by genetic factors, but all traits were also influenced by environmental factors such as climatic variables. The pulpiest fruit came from the both zones. However, the sweetest fruits originated from the Sudano-sahelian zone. The findings of this study may have practical implications for S. senegalensis management and improvement strategies in Burkina Faso.