Browsing by Author "Lusepani, Nakwezi Esther"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- ItemReproductive biology and utilisation of Berchemia discolor (Klotzsch) Hemsley (Rhamnaceae)(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1999-12) Lusepani, Nakwezi Esther; Boucher, C.; Marais, E. M.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of AgriSciences. Dept. of Forest & Wood Science.ENGLISH SUMMARY: Berchemia discolor is an indigenous African fruit tree species with potential in terms of commercialisation and domestication. Indigenous fruit tree species play a role in the socioeconomic well being of small-scale farmers and rural communities. To facilitate the process of domestication and commercialisation of B. discolor, it is important to learn more about the biology of the species, nutritional value of the fruit, and if potential markets exist for the fruit. Fieldwork was carried out in Caprivi and Omusati in northern Namibia in order to study the reproductive phenology and the floral and pollination biology of the species. Analysis of the nutritional value of the fruit was carried out on the dry fruit pulp to assess the nutrients, minerals and vitamins contained in the fruit. In addition to this a socio-economic survey was carried out to assess the current trade in fruit and the utilisation of the tree and its products. The length of the reproductive phase during the 1996-97 season extended from mid October to end of March in Caprivi and from beginning of November to early April in Omusati. Vegetative growth and flower bud formation in Omusati occurred just after the onset of the first rain whereas in Caprivi it occurred two weeks prior to the onset of the rain. The flowers of B. discolor are dichogamous and protandrous. Pollinators are probably attracted to the flowers by olfactory stimuli, however visual stimuli also play a role as the flowers are greenish-yellowish in colour and several flowers are borne together in the inflorescence. Insect visitors to the flowers were identified as belonging to four different orders (Hymenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Heterophera). Three of these orders have genera which may represent potential pollinators of B. discolor. Stigma receptivity probably occurred only after the elongation of the pistil subsequent to the presentation of pollen. The dry fruit pulp of B. ·discolor is rich in carbohydrates, calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium and potassium, but it is not a good source of phosphorus, fat, protein and ascorbic acid. The fruit trade is important for generating income, which is used to acquire other goods and services by the rural people. B. discolor could, subject to improvements on fruit quality and marketing become one of the commercial fruit in northern Namibia.