Laurent GNONLONFIN - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Laurent GNONLONFIN

Research paper thumbnail of Tradition Versus Climate Change: Cultural Importance of Indigenous Fruit Tree and Adaptation in Benin, West Africa

Springer eBooks, Dec 27, 2018

B. A. Fandohan Université nationale d'agriculture École des sciences et techniques de conservatio... more B. A. Fandohan Université nationale d'agriculture École des sciences et techniques de conservation et de transformation des produits agricoles BP 114, Sakété, Bénin

Research paper thumbnail of Morphological variation in Diospyros mespiliformis (Ebenaceae) among different habitats in Benin, West Africa

Journal of Ecology and The Natural Environment

Interesting morphological traits in tree organs are essential for selecting the best plant germpl... more Interesting morphological traits in tree organs are essential for selecting the best plant germplasm. Variation in morphometric traits of leaf, fruit and seed of multipurpose tree Diospyros mespiliformis were studied in two climatic zones in Benin using 735 trees from 4 major habitats (provenances) in each climatic zone. Morphological trait measurements were combined with architectural parameters and analyzed using two-way ANOVA, principal components analysis and hierarchical clustering. Results indicated that significant differences were observed between leaves, fruits and seed morphological traits within climatic zones and habitats in terms of dimensions across the study area. Compared to the other three habitats (low dimensions), leaves from woodland showed large dimensions (µL_leaf=130 mm, µl_leaf=50 mm). Soudano Guinean zone recorded the highest fruits morphological traits values (µd_fruit= 36 mm µl_fruit=30 mm) while Soudanian zone had the lowest (µd_fruit= 12 mm, µl_fruit=8 mm). More seeds per fruit were recorded in woodlands and parklands. Out of these, hierarchical analysis grouped ebony morphotypes into four clusters. There was no significant correlation between the number of seeds per fruits and other fruit traits. However, significant and strong positive correlations were found between morphometric characters, bearing and architectural parameters (R = 0.96). The provenance significantly affected variations in organ-related traits. Correlation relationships suggested morphotypes for breeding improvement. Interesting and desired characteristics delineating individuals and populations can guide future selection of targeted ebony trees with the aim of improving high-value species in agroforestry domestication program.

Research paper thumbnail of Ethnobotanical Survey of Less-Known Indigenous Edible Tree Diospyros Mespiliformis (Ebenaceae) in Benin, West Africa

SSRN Electronic Journal, 2022

African ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis) is a priority indigenous fruit tree that has several uses... more African ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis) is a priority indigenous fruit tree that has several uses but its use pattern and conservation are little documented across various ethnic groups in Benin. These surveys carried out in 2018 aimed at provide a critical appraisal of the existing knowledge on the ethno-botanical value of these resources among 317 registered informants. Data on socio demographic characteristics and uses of these plant resources was collected based on oral interview using Kobo Collect tool and a well-structured questionnaire from 11 ethnic groups. Quantitative analysis techniques including Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), Hierarchical Clustering (HCPC) and beta-regression (beta-reg)) were performed to evaluaterelative usefulness of different tree organs and the extent to which quantitative indexes give similar results. Results revealed three clusters with diverse uses of D. mespiliformis. The main uses categories of African ebony were food-fodder, medicinal, construction and magico-religious. The results showed also significant difference in use between ethnic groups, generations and socio-professional categories (P < 0.05). However, gender, religion and educational background of informants were not a determinant of local knowledge (P > 0.05). In addition, diseases treated with D. espiliformis were fever, dressing wound, malaria and infertility. Our findings suggest that local availability of D. mespiliformis should prioritize the fruit and the wood which are the most valued parts of the plant. In order to fully explore the plant’s potential, this resource needs development of integrated cultivation approach, safety evaluation and detailed ethno-pharmacological studies because it is not excluded that interesting medicinal properties setting in light by research permit to finalize new drug.

Research paper thumbnail of Tradition Versus Climate Change: Cultural Importance of Indigenous Fruit Tree and Adaptation in Benin, West Africa

Handbook of Climate Change Resilience

Research paper thumbnail of Tradition Versus Climate Change: Cultural Importance of Indigenous Fruit Tree and Adaptation in Benin, West Africa

Springer eBooks, Dec 27, 2018

B. A. Fandohan Université nationale d'agriculture École des sciences et techniques de conservatio... more B. A. Fandohan Université nationale d'agriculture École des sciences et techniques de conservation et de transformation des produits agricoles BP 114, Sakété, Bénin

Research paper thumbnail of Morphological variation in Diospyros mespiliformis (Ebenaceae) among different habitats in Benin, West Africa

Journal of Ecology and The Natural Environment

Interesting morphological traits in tree organs are essential for selecting the best plant germpl... more Interesting morphological traits in tree organs are essential for selecting the best plant germplasm. Variation in morphometric traits of leaf, fruit and seed of multipurpose tree Diospyros mespiliformis were studied in two climatic zones in Benin using 735 trees from 4 major habitats (provenances) in each climatic zone. Morphological trait measurements were combined with architectural parameters and analyzed using two-way ANOVA, principal components analysis and hierarchical clustering. Results indicated that significant differences were observed between leaves, fruits and seed morphological traits within climatic zones and habitats in terms of dimensions across the study area. Compared to the other three habitats (low dimensions), leaves from woodland showed large dimensions (µL_leaf=130 mm, µl_leaf=50 mm). Soudano Guinean zone recorded the highest fruits morphological traits values (µd_fruit= 36 mm µl_fruit=30 mm) while Soudanian zone had the lowest (µd_fruit= 12 mm, µl_fruit=8 mm). More seeds per fruit were recorded in woodlands and parklands. Out of these, hierarchical analysis grouped ebony morphotypes into four clusters. There was no significant correlation between the number of seeds per fruits and other fruit traits. However, significant and strong positive correlations were found between morphometric characters, bearing and architectural parameters (R = 0.96). The provenance significantly affected variations in organ-related traits. Correlation relationships suggested morphotypes for breeding improvement. Interesting and desired characteristics delineating individuals and populations can guide future selection of targeted ebony trees with the aim of improving high-value species in agroforestry domestication program.

Research paper thumbnail of Ethnobotanical Survey of Less-Known Indigenous Edible Tree Diospyros Mespiliformis (Ebenaceae) in Benin, West Africa

SSRN Electronic Journal, 2022

African ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis) is a priority indigenous fruit tree that has several uses... more African ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis) is a priority indigenous fruit tree that has several uses but its use pattern and conservation are little documented across various ethnic groups in Benin. These surveys carried out in 2018 aimed at provide a critical appraisal of the existing knowledge on the ethno-botanical value of these resources among 317 registered informants. Data on socio demographic characteristics and uses of these plant resources was collected based on oral interview using Kobo Collect tool and a well-structured questionnaire from 11 ethnic groups. Quantitative analysis techniques including Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), Hierarchical Clustering (HCPC) and beta-regression (beta-reg)) were performed to evaluaterelative usefulness of different tree organs and the extent to which quantitative indexes give similar results. Results revealed three clusters with diverse uses of D. mespiliformis. The main uses categories of African ebony were food-fodder, medicinal, construction and magico-religious. The results showed also significant difference in use between ethnic groups, generations and socio-professional categories (P < 0.05). However, gender, religion and educational background of informants were not a determinant of local knowledge (P > 0.05). In addition, diseases treated with D. espiliformis were fever, dressing wound, malaria and infertility. Our findings suggest that local availability of D. mespiliformis should prioritize the fruit and the wood which are the most valued parts of the plant. In order to fully explore the plant’s potential, this resource needs development of integrated cultivation approach, safety evaluation and detailed ethno-pharmacological studies because it is not excluded that interesting medicinal properties setting in light by research permit to finalize new drug.

Research paper thumbnail of Tradition Versus Climate Change: Cultural Importance of Indigenous Fruit Tree and Adaptation in Benin, West Africa

Handbook of Climate Change Resilience