Maintenance of Balanites aegyptiaca trees for fruit production in Kafta-Humera district, Western Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia.

Maintenance of Balanites aegyptiaca trees for fruit production in Kafta-Humera district, Western Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Maintenance of Balanites aegyptiaca trees for fruit production in Kafta-Humera district, Western Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Halefom Weldu, sarah tewolde-berhan, Gebrehanns Grimay This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3884951/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Balanites aegyptiaca is a dryland tree species with multiple socioeconomic and ecological benefits. The tree is cultivated by farmers in their fields in the Kafta Humera District, but scientific information on the local fruit morphological characteristics, and its fruit production of the Balanites aegyptiaca tree were insufficient in the study area. This study was initiated to investigate the morphology and fruit production of Balanites aegyptiaca for conservation in Kafta-Humeradistrict. Fruit morphology was studied on 180 fruits from 18 trees representing three diameter classes and two flavors. The relationship between dendrometric parameters and fruit production was analyzed using Pearson's correlation test. In addition, ANOVA was used for fruit morphology and production. Results showed that fruit morphological characteristics and fruit production were significant (p = 0.05) and differed according to DBH grade and flavor. Overall, the multipurpose tree Balanites aegyptiaca has the potential to produce fruit and the conservation of this tree on agricultural land with proper management in drought-prone areas could increase food security and provide great potential for edible wild crops. Tree diameter class Fruit multipurpose tree Balanites aegyptiaca agroforestry Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Background and justification Balanites aegyptiaca is of great economic and ecological importance (Tesfaye & Minch, 2015). The fruits of Balanites aegyptiaca are edible and contain essential minerals (Sagna et al ., 2014). In addition, the leaves of this plant are a popular source of food for animals, which is why they can play an important role as a forage tree in the desert during severe drought. In addition, all parts of the plant have pharmacological effects and are used to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, abdominal pain, jaundice, yellow fever, syphilis and epilepsy (Yadav & Panghal, 2010). In general, Balanites aegyptiaca is an edible wild tea used for medicinal purposes, as animal feed, for human nutrition and to improve soil fertility. Wild edible plants (WEP), including the habitats of Balanites aegyptiaca , are disappearing and edible plants are being selectively harvested for various purposes as growing human populations and need-based interventions continue to convert natural areas into cultivated areas (Asfaw, 2007).In Ethiopia, wild foods are a valuable livelihood supplement, complementing staple foods and ensuring food security, food diversity and income stability for the rural population (Asfaw and Tadesse, 2001; Bahru et al ., 2013; Kidane et al., 2014). Despite the role those wild foods play in the livelihoods of rural Ethiopians, little attention has been paid to inventorying their crops and protecting species (Addis et al., 2005; Berihun i Molla, 2017). In some countries, Balanities varieties with bitter and sweet names are well known (Bassimbé et al., 2014). However, this information is scarce in the study area. Therefore, understanding variation is necessary to identify superior genotypes and use them to increase fruit production and for management of Balanites aegyptiaca trees. Therefore, in order to fill these gaps, in this study, investigation of fruit morphology of scattered trees of Balanites aegyptiaca were initiated to improve fruit production in agricultural plots in Kafta-Humera district. The detailed objectives of the study were to quantify fruit abundance and study the morphological characteristics of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits in three diameter classes and taste varieties. METHODS Study area The study was conducted in the Western administrative zones of the Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. Qafta Humera Welkayit, and tsegedye districts were selected based on a preliminary assessment of Balanites aegyptiaca distribution in Tigray. Within these three districts, four sub districts were selected (Figure 1). The study area is characterized by hot to warm semi-arid lowlands agro-ecological zones (EIAR 2011). The study area has a unimodal rainfall pattern (June to September) with an average annual rainfall of 645 mm and mean temperature of 27.7°C (Figure.2). The vegetation of the study area comes in three major types described as Acacia-Commiphora woodland, Combretum-Terminalia woodland, and riparian woodland (Friis et al. 2011). The wood species most frequently observed are Balanites aegyptiaca, Diospyros mespiliformis, Adansonia digitata, Acacia Senegal, Acacia abyssinica, Acacia polyacantha, Tamarindus indicia, and Ziziphus spina-Christi. The land use of the study area is composed of mainly farmlands, grazing areas and forest (TAWoARD 2015; TAWoRLA 2015). Mixed crop-livestock farming is the primary livelihood system. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), pearl millet ( Pennisetum glaucum ) and maize ( Zea mays ) are the primary food crops, and sesame ( Sesamum oriental ) is the main cash crop in the area. Traditional gold panning and resin production from Boswellia papyrifera and Acacia Senegal are additional sources of income. Sampling design and data collection Key informants were pre-determined to help identify bitter and sweet Balanites varieties in the field. From a total of 30 key informants, from district participated in selecting 18 trees from both bitter and sweet Balanites aegyptiaca varieties during the fruiting season. The trees were classified into three diameter classes (15-30cm, 31-45cm, and 46-60cm) from which 6 trees were selected randomly from each class. Sample branches from upper, middle and lower canopy were harvested following Gwali et al . (2012). Mature fruits were collected from the trees selected for this study. Fruits were harvested by climbing onto the tree and picking after the fruit ripens. The studied fruits had no visible insect damage or disease symptoms. sixty fruit per diameter classes were randomly picked for morphological analysis (Lima et al., 2015). This corresponds to a total of 180 fruits sampled in the selected study area. From the fresh fruits, the following parameters were determined: fruit length (cm), seed length (cm), kernel weight (g) fruit width (cm), seed width (cm) measurements using a Vernier caliper (Ahmed, 2019). Individual fruit weight (g), seed weight (g), and Pulp mass was obtained by weighing using a sensitive balance (Abasse et al ., 2011). Pulp mass weighted after removing the seeds and skin of the fruit. The fresh pulps were dried at 70 0 C for 24 hours in a drying oven until constant weight content was obtained following Boone and Wengert, (1998). Fruit counting method by extrapolation (kouyate et al ., 2016) was applied in this study to assess fruit production per tree. According to the number of fruiting branches per DBH classes, selected from upper, middle and lower canopy, were counted according to the Sample branches as follow: Two branches when the number of fruiting branches was less than or equal to 5 Three branches when the number of fruiting branches was between 5 and 10 Four branches when the number of fruiting branches was more than 10. The total numbers of fruits per branch class were obtained by multiplying the average number of fruits with the number of fruiting branches. The total number of fruits of the whole tree was obtained by summing the fruits number of all different branch classes (Ouédraogo et al ., 2019). For each Balanites aegyptica tree from which fruit was selected, certain dendrometric parameters such as diameter at breast height (DBH), number of branches, crown diameter and total height were measured. 3.3. Data analysis All data were compiled and prepared with Excel 2010 computer program and analysis conducted with R software version 3.6.2 (Crawley, 2013). One and two-way ANOVA was used based on data type and the hypothesis to be tested. Morphological characteristic of fruit was analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used to check whether the data had come from a normally distributed population. Leaven tests were used for homogeneity of variance which indicates whether the variance scores were the same for all the groups. Correlation analyses were done to assess the relationships between quantities of fruit and dendrometric parameters, using Pearson correlation. A clustering and PCA (principal component analysis) multivariate analysis was done to show if there was a natural differentiation in the fruit properties and the associated data collected using past v.3 (Hammer et al ., 2001). LSD 0.05 Tukey’s test was used to separate the significant means. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Density of Balanites aegyptiaca by cultural group and land use Balanites aegyptiaca densities varied noticeably between areas in the two land use types (p. 05, Kruskal Wallis test, Figure 3). The forest had a much higher Balanites aegyptiaca density than all the farmland combined. The diameter class distribution of Balanites aegyptiaca in both land use types followed a bell-shaped curve rather than an inverted J shape, indicating recruitment or regeneration issues (Figure 4). There were very few Balanites aegyptiaca specimens found in farmlands and none in the forest habitat in DBH class 15-30 cm, indicating serious recruitment issues. Large diameter trees (DBH classes 31–45 cm and 46–60 cm) were slightly more prevalent in farmlands than in forests (see data on supplemental file). Phenotypic characteristics of the fruits of Balanites aegyptiaca local morphotypes Community knowledge of morphotypes All communities reported that there are two original morphotypes of Balanites aegyptiaca with distinct original names. crucial snitchers distinguished between sweet and bitter trees by taste, cover number, cover size, and color of growing. The bitter trees produce smaller fruits, have a thinner cover, and a light brown color at growing. In addition, the wood of bitter trees is hard and brittle, meaning it’s fluently broken. Grounded on these characteristics, bitter Balanites aegyptiaca is considered to be ‘manly’ by communities. By comparison, the sweet tamarind variety is considered womanish because it produces further fruits each year, has thicker pods that are sanguine at maturity, and its wood is neither hard nor brittle. Fruits morphological diversity The Balanites aegyptiaca fruits were characterized in terms of their physical structures and morphology similar as fruit weight, seed weight, pulp weight, seed weight, fruit length, seed length, fruit range, and seed range. The fruit shape was diversified in the observation of globular and round (egg- shaped). The vividness of the bitter variety of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits of both the fruit cover and pulp is lighter brown while the sweet fruit cover and fresh pulp are typically deep brown (Figure 17). The mean values recorded for fruit weight, fruit width, seed width, and pulp weight variables showed significant differences at (p<0.05) among bitter and sweet type variety and with tree DBH classes of Balanites aegyptiaca trees (Table 7). Seed weight, seed coat weight, kernel weight, and fruit length were no having significant difference (p>0.05) between bitter and sweet type of Balanites aegyptiaca tree. Table 7: Mean (±Sd) values of Morphological characterizations of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit, small (15-30cm), middle (31-45cm) and large (46-60cm). Parameter Taste type DBH class CV% LSD 0.05 P-value large Middle Small fruit weight(g) sweet 10.34±(0.735) a 10.09±(0.77) a 8.74±(0.68) b 6.46 1.24 * bitter 8.38±(0.74) a 8.82±(0.33) a 7.79±(0.61) b 6.56 1.17 *** seed weight(g) sweet 5.93±(0.73) a 5.82±(1.3) a 4.73±(0.86)b 16.84 1.75 ** bitter 5.21±(0.31) a 5.67±(0.45) a 4.78±(0.67)b 12.41 1 * pulp weight(g) sweet 3.06±(0.54) a 3.45±(0.16) a 2.22±(1.35) b 15.4 0.89 * bitter 3.02a±(0.21) a 2.81a±(0.48) a 1.56±(0.21) b 13.41 0.66 ** kernel weight(g) sweet 0.92±(0.28) a 0.93±(0.08) a 0.73±(0.09) b 12.7 0.35 * bitter 0.86±(0.15) ab 0.96±(0.06) a 0.57±(0.06) b 12.66 0.21 ** seed coat weight(g) sweet 2.16±(1.3) a 2.47±(0.5)a 2.1±(0.24) a 13.24 1.64 NS bitter 2.1±(0.1) a 2.15±(0.4)a 2±(0.12)a 10.82 0.52 ** fruit length(mm) sweet 35.4±(0.44) a 37.3±(0.29)a 34.4±(0.07)b 8.75 0.62 * bitter 38.1±(0.32) a 37±(0.18)a 35.5±(0.36)b 8.2 0.6 * seed length(mm) sweet 31.73±(0.43) a 37.7±(0.69) a 32.4±(0.11)b 14.1 0.95 ** bitter 35.3±(0.35) a 34.4±(0.13) a 32.6±(0.3)b 8.2 0.56 ** fruit width(mm) sweet 25.7±(0.19) a 25.6±(0.15) a 21.6±(0.1)b 6.67 0.3 *** bitter 23.4±(0.68) a 22.2±(0.11) a 20±(0.02)b 12.98 0.8 ** Treatments with the same letter are not significantly different (p< 0.05) Where, * =P< 0.05, ** =p<0.01, and ***=p 0.05, DBH = diameter at breast height The analysis of variance mean values of fruit weight, pulp weight, fruit width, and seed width shows significant differences (p0.05) between the two distinct varieties. The differences expressed in the morphology of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit within the different taste type varieties within the same agro-ecology zone could mean that it has high genetic variation. In general, this result shows that the bitter and sweet trees were distinct varieties found within the study area as much confirmed with the local knowledge as traditionally distinguished morphotypes of these Balanites aegyptiaca varieties. This finding was similar to Kala and Dubey, (2014) has reported similar results for fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight of Balanites aegyptiaca . They observed fruit length 36 to 58mm, fruit diameter 18.7 to 28.5mm and fruit weight 5.5 to 10.5g study in humid subtropical climatic condition of Agra, India. similarly Abasse et al. , (2011) reported that Fruit weight (6.28g) fruit length (2.78 cm) fruit width (2.22 cm) seed length (2.51cm) seed width (1.82cm) and kernel weight (0.58g) of fruit morphology of Balanites aegyptiaca was recorded in the Maradi region of Niger. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in fruit morphology across the DBH class. The medium and large DBH classes were shown significantly different (p<0.05) within the corresponding lower DBH class of Balanites aegyptiaca. The middle DBH class had the highest fruit weight (9.45g), pulp weight (3.1g), thickness (23.9mm), seed width (15.7mm) and in contrast to lower DBH class that recorded 8.27g, 1.9g, 20.8mm, and 13.3mm respectively. , seed coat weight were not a significant difference (p<0.05) among tree DBH classes, but slightly decreasing the fruit attribute to tree DBH classes increase. The middle diameter class had also fruit weight, pulp weight, kernel weight, highest fruit length, thickness and seed thickness in contrast to high and lower diameter class. Fruit weight found to be in the range of (7.8g–10.3g) this result was higher than reported by Ahmed et al. (2019) 5.8-8.7g. Similarly the length of fruit was higher than previously reported by Arbonnier, (2002) 21.6-35.2mm long. Fruit thickness found to be in the range of (20.8-25.7mm). This result was lower than reported by Abasse et al . (2011) 27.8–30.5mm. Likewise seed thickness found to be in the range of (13.3-16.8mm). This result was lower than reported by (El Feel and Warrag, 2006) who reported seed thickness of the fruit that ranges from 19-23mm. The climatic conditions were similar at our study so the important factors that may have affected the intraspecific variation in phenotypic or morphological traits of the fruits are the reflection of age and genetic variability (Assogbadjo et al., 2006). The differences expressed in morphology of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit across the different diameter class and taste type variety with in the same agro ecology zone could mean that it has high genetic variation. This indicates great potential for further improvement or breeding through selecting super provenance for domestication. The Mean moisture content of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit pulp of sweet and bitter varieties found that 20.38% and 17.76% mean values respectively. That shows significant difference (p<0.05) fruit pulp moisture content between the two taste type Balanites aegyptiaca fruits. Sweet fruit type varieties were higher by 12.8% from bitter fruit type varieties of Balanites aegyptiaca tree. This result may be due to fruit size and genetic varieties of the Balanites aegyptiaca tree of the study area. Such result was in agreement with that reported by; Roy and Joshi, 1995; ; Groller et al., 1998; Girma, 2014). 18.5%, 22.6 – 69%) and 20% of moisture content in fruit pulp respectively. In contrast, 15.80 % of moisture content of the fruit (Amit et al ., 2011) which is observed lesser than in this case. 4.5.2. Fruit production of Balanites aegyptiaca tree Fruit production varied significantly (p0.05) between bitter and sweet type variety. Similarly, in fruit quantity the analysis result shows significant differences (p<0.05) among DBH classes and between taste type Balanites aegyptiaca tree varieties. Higher values recorded on larger DBH classes than in middle and lower DBH classes. According to test variety, the bitter type was produced slightly higher fruit quantity than sweet type. In fruit moisture content The ANOVA analysis indicated that, these mean values showed that significant differences (p<0.05) in moisture content between these distinct varieties and DBH classes at (p<0.05). Table 8: Mean (±Sd) values of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit production Parameter Taste DBH class CV% LSD 0.05 P-Value large Middle Small Moisture cont. (%) sweet 20.33±(1.04) ab 22.55±(1.98) a 18.25±(2.12) b 9.7 3.95 ** bitter 17.48±(0.58) ab 20.23±(0.84) a 15.57±(2.6) b 9.15 3.2 * * Fruit production(kg) sweet 34.23±(0.35) a 27.82±(2.07) b 17.55±(2.7) c 4.78 2.53 *** bitter 28.44±(1.1) a 26.95±(0.79) b 23.78±(0.95) c 5.2 2.74 ** * Quantity of fruit/tree sweet 2377.9±(165.9) a 2034.1±(92.3) b 1432.8±(575.5) c 4.57 248.3 ** bitter 2484±(83.9) a 2398.3±(228.6) b 2148.5±(380) c 8.6 520.6 ** Treatments with the same letter are not significantly different (p<0.05) where * =P<0.05, ** =p<0.01, and ***=p0.05, DBH = diameter at breast height Accordingly, the mean values of fruit per tree DBH were varied from 31. 33Kg for large DBH class, 27.38Kg middle, and the corresponding lower class 20.66Kg. At middle DBH (31–45cm) and lower DBH (15–30cm) lower by 12.6% and 34 % respectively as compared with large DBH (46 – 60cm). The result noted that the total quantity of fruits increased with stem diameter. This determination was similar to (Ouédraogo et al. , 2019) report on Balanites aegyptiaca in fruit production increases with stem DBH increase. Likewise,(Lompo et al. 2018) study on Ximenia Americana the total number of fruits increased with stem diameter. The result suggests also in agreement with Miller & Dietz, (2004) that larger trees (large DBH) generally have greater fruit quantities than those of smaller trees. Large trees produce more fruits; because they have larger crowns; as crown volume increases exponentially with DBH, so doe’s fruit production (Charoensuk et al. , 2018). The small trees use their energy for both vegetative growth and reproduction. Additionally, the small tree crown size and the root developments (which contribute significantly to nutritive substances synthesis) are less than those of the larger trees. Therefore, the highest fruit production observed in the large trees could be related to their greater ability to assure the photosynthesis (Demir et al., 2014; Snook et al ., 2005). Since DBH is an easily accessible dendrometric parameter, it could be used to evaluate the fruit potential of this species that is highly exploited for economic purposes throughout its distribution range. 4.5.3. Correlation of fruit production with tree morphological variable The Pearson correlation tests of showed that DBH exhibited the strongest positive relationship with fruit production (r=0.59, p<0.0001), and tree height exhibited the weakest correlation with fruit production of the species (r = 0.26, p<0.0001). The results displayed also DBH and height as the highest and lowest parameters correlated with the number of fruits respectively (Table 9). Correlation studies provide information on the nature and extent of association between any two things (Mayavel et al ., 2018). The Pearson correlation showed that the quantity of fruit per tree, fruit production with a DBH, crown diameter, and the number of branches was observed, that strong and positively correlated. Table 9: Pearson correlation analysis between tree morphological parameters and fruit production Parameters DBH H CD CA NB FP DBH 1 H 0.26NS 1 CD 0.78** 0.44ns 1 CA 0.79** 0.42ns 0.99*** 1 NB 0.68** 0.21ns 0.68** 0.63** 1 FP 0.59** 0.16ns 0.67** 0.63** 0.82*** 1 Where * = p≤ 0.05, ** = up ≤ 0.01, NS = non- significant at p< 0.05, r = correlation DBH = Diameter at breast height, H = total height of the tree; CA = Crown cover area (m2) NB = number of branches, CD = Crown diameter (m) n = number of trees FP = Fruit production Balanites aegyptiaca fruit production increases with DBH, the crown cover area, and the number of branches. Various works on tropical fruit-bearing trees have reported similar results on local fruit-bearing trees (Bondé et al., 2019; Lankoandé et al. , 2017; Nacoulma et al., 2017; and Ouedraogo et al. , 2014). This study showed that, first of all, predictive variables, the fruit production are a function of the tree trunk size. Therefore, DBH is a judicious parameter to facilitate fruit production (Kainer et al. , 2007). Balanites aegyptiaca was positively related to tree diameter, suggesting that the bigger the tree, the greater its ability to flower and bear fruits. This confirms with a study on Haematostaphis barteri tree species provided that tree size positively correlated with fruit production (Sourou et al. , 2016). It also found a significant and positive correlation between fruit production and crown width. A similar result has been observed study on Persea Americana Miller that the productivity of avocado trees had shown a significant correlation with canopy width (Biazin et al., 2018). Trees that received more sunlight tended to produce more fruits (Londres et al ., 2017). Such Strong and positive correlations are useful in tree provenance selection. However, the amount of fruit was not significantly correlated (p > 0.05) with total tree height. Weak correlation fruits production with height is that height does not allow estimating the fruit production due to there is the tall tree with small diameter and short tree with a large big diameter (Abdou et al., 2015). The hierarchical clustering analysis on Balanites aegyptiaca fruit morphology diversity was distributed into three main clusters. The first cluster included sweetS (S denotes small DBH class) and bitterS sub clusters, the second cluster included sweetM (M denotes medium DBH class) and bitterM, the third group was sweetL (L denotes large DBH class) and bitter L (Figure 18). A factor found in the same cluster indicates the factors have a similarity effect on fruit morphology and found at a different cluster shows the factors had different effects on fruit morphology and diversity. The hierarchical clustering shows DBH classes have significant impact to fruit morphology diversity when compared to taste variety types. Additionally the three groups of hierarchical clustering shows the three DBH cases have different effect on fruit morphological diversity and fruit production. . Generally, the clustering analysis indicates the natural differentiation of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit morphology characteristics was more affected by tree DBH and followed by taste type variety of the tree. A principal component analysis (PCA) of the DBH class groups was run for fruit morphology diversity values as presented in (Figure 19). As can be seen with respect to the principal components (PC) 1 and 2, the score of the principal component analysis showed that two components explained 58.07% of the total variation contributed by all characteristics for the Balanites aegyptiaca tree fruit morphology, the first component presented 41.03%, the second component 17.04% on the total variation of fruit morphology. The first component presented 41.03% of the variation in which fruit weight, pulp weight, fruit quantity, fruit production, moisture content and seed width had the highest loadings to varied fruit morphology among DBH classes and taste type Balanites aegyptiaca tree. The second component 17.04% of the variation in this variation seed coat weight and kernel weight was higher loadings on the total variation of fruit morphology. Both the PCA and cluster analysis show that the fruit characteristics is mostly determined by DBH rather than variety, though variety also has a secondary effect. The DBH effects of small trees are shown at a higher distance than the medium and large. All of this is congruent with existing knowledge, that small and mature trees give different dimensions in fruits. Varieties also show a secondary effect, with it being again congruent with existing studies that varieties also affect fruit characteristics. It should also be noted that this study clearly shows that there are two distinct varieties of Balanites aegyptiaca. Similarly to this study Grygorieva et al . (2014) reported on morphological characteristics of fruits, drupes and seeds in genotypes of Ziziphus jujuba mill through multivariate analysis (PCA and clustering) shows varied on genotypes of Ziziphus jujube mill . CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Fruit morphology and production differences were observed among morphological characteristics of Balanites aegyptiaca varieties of taste types and DBH classes in Kafta-Humera district. Using morphological characters of fruit, this study pointed out that there is a high variation in fruit weight, seed weight, kernel weight, fruit length, seed length, fruit thickness, seed thickness and moisture content of fruit pulp of Balanites aegyptiaca among the sweet and bitter type varieties of the tree. Furthermore, fruit production per tree was significant varied among the DBH classes and highly positively correlated with crown diameter (CD), and Crown area (CA) but not more related to the tree height. This study contributes to highlighting the knowledge on parameters influencing fruit production of Balanites aegyptiaca in tropical zones. Finally, Balanites aegyptiaca as a multipurpose tree added a significant amount of nutrients to the soil. Thus, retaining these important tree species on farmland played a positive role and have a good potential fruit production that augments food security. 5.2. Recommendations The research results enable us to draw the following recommendations: retaining these important Balanites aegyptiaca tree species on farmland played a positive role and have a good potential fruit production that augments food security. The morphological evidence and community knowledge differentiating these two morphotypes highlights the need for conservation of their populations in northern Ethiopia. While this research demonstrated phenotypic variation between the morphotypes recognized by local communities, a more detailed study that includes genetic analyses is necessary for conservation of intraspecific diversity. Further botanical investigations are needed, taking into consideration variations in fruit characteristics according to the fruit shape and tree location and the effect of environmental and genetically conditions and different types or varieties of this species may be identified. Declarations Author Contribution Details of each author with his or her contribution to this paper are as follows:Types of contributionHalefom Weldu: research proposal development, Study Execution, Data collection, Data entery and analysis, Report writing and first draft manuscript development.Sarah Teweldebrihan- Research proposal development, Supervion data analysis, report writing and editingGebrehanns Grimay - Supervision ,data analysis, editing References A. M. KOUYATE, B. M. I. NACOULMA, A. M. L. & A. T. (2016). ESTIMATION DE LA PRODUCTION FRUITIÈRE DES ESPÈCES LIGNEUSES ALIMENTAIRES EN AFRIQUE SUB-SAHARIENNE . (April). Abasse, T., Weber, J. C., Katkore, B., Boureima, M., Larwanou, M., & Kalinganire, A. 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(2018). Smallholders’ avocado production systems and tree productivity in the southern highlands of Ethiopia. Agroforestry Systems, 92 (1), 127–137. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-016-0020-2 Bondé, L., Ouédraogo, O., Ouédraogo, I., Thiombiano, A., & Boussim, J. I. (2019). Variability and estimating in fruiting of shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn) associated to climatic conditions in West Africa: implications for sustainable management and development. Plant Production Science, 22 (2), 143–158. https://doi.org/10.1080/1343943X.2018.1541712 CHEVALLIER, M., BENSAID, S., DIALLO, O., SAHKI, R., GANABA, S., SANOU, J., … BABIN, D. (2003). Biodiversité et multidisciplinarite: méthodologie pour les zones arides. Bois et Forêts Des Tropiques, 276 (276), 33–40. Chothani, D. L., & Vaghasiya, H. U. (2011). A review on Balanites aegyptiaca Del (desert date): phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, and pharmacological activity. 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Impact of agroforestry parklands on crop yield and income generation: case study of rainfed farming in the semi-arid zone of Sudan. Agroforestry Systems, 92 (3), 785–800. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-016-0048-3 Girma, Y. (2014). Development of fruit leather from indigenous Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) fruit . goran i. agren Asfaw Zebene. (2007). Farmers ’ local knowledge and topsoil properties of agroforestry practices in Sidama, Southern Ethiopia . 35–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-007-9087-0 Groom, Q. (2011). François Malaisse (2010) How to live and survive in Zambezian open forest (Miombo Ecoregion). Plant Ecology and Evolution, 144 (3), 377–378. https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2011.679 Grygorieva, O., Abrahamová, V., Karnatovská, M., Bleha, R., & Brindza, J. (2014). Morphological characteristics of fruits, drupes and seeds in genotypes of ziziphus jujuba mill. Potravinarstvo, 8 (1), 306–314. https://doi.org/10.5219/414 Gwali, S., Nakabonge, G., Okullo, B. L., Eilu, G., Nyeko, P., & Vuzi, P. (2012). Morphological variation among shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. nilotica) ‘ethnovarieties’ in Uganda . (June 2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-012-9905-8 Kainer, K. A., Wadt, L. H. O., & Staudhammer, C. L. (2007). Explaining variation in Brazil nut fruit production. Forest Ecology and Management, 250 (3), 244–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2007.05.024 Kala and Dubey. (2014). Diversity in Balanites Aegyptiaca: A Lesser Known Tree Species in the Yamuna Ravines. Indianforester, (November). Kidane, B., Maesen, L. J. G. Van Der, Van, T., Asfaw, Z., & Sosef, M. S. M. (2014). Ethnobotany of Wild and Semi-Wild Edible Fruit Species used by Maale and Ari Ethnic Communities in Southern Ethiopia . 12 (September), 455–471. Lankoandé, B., Ouédraogo, A., Boussim, J. I., & Lykke, A. M. (2017). Identification of determining traits of seed production in Carapa procera and Pentadesma butyracea, two native oil trees from riparian forests in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Biomass and Bioenergy, 102 (June), 37–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2017.04.002 Lima, J. O., Rios, J. B., Salles, M. T., & Gallão, M. I. (2015). Morphological characterization of fruits and seeds of Jatropha (Magnoliopsida: Euphorbiaceae). 263–269. Londres, M., Schulze, M., Staudhammer, C. L., & Kainer, K. A. (2017). Population Structure and Fruit Production of Carapa guianensis (Andiroba) in Amazonian Floodplain Forests: Implications for Community-Based Management . https://doi.org/10.1177/1940082917718835 Manji, A. J., Sarah, E. E., & Modibbo, U. U. (2013). Studies on the potentials of Balanites aegyptiaca seed oil as raw material for the production of liquid cleansing agents. International Journal of Physical Sciences, 8 (33), 1655–1660. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJPS07.049 Mayavel, A., Nagarajan, B., Muthuraj, K., Nicodemus, A., & Prabhu, R. (2018). Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Selected Red Tamarind (Tamarindus indica var rhodocarpha) Genetic Resources. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 7 (04), 794–802. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.704.089 Michaela Schaller, Elena Barth, Darinka Blies, Felicitas Röhrig, M. S. (2017). Climate Smart Agriculture CONCERNS . (CC), 1–4. Retrieved from http://www.climatesmartagconcerns.info/ Miller, K. E., & Dietz, J. M. (2004). Fruit Yield, not DBH or Fruit Crown Volume, Correlates with Time Spent Feeding on Fruits by Wild Leontopithecus rosalia . 25 (1). Nacoulma, B. M. I., Lykke, A. M., Traoré, S., Sinsin, B., & Thiombiano, A. (2017). Impact of bark and foliage harvesting on fruit production of the multipurpose tree Afzelia africana in Burkina Faso (West Africa). Agroforestry Systems, 91 (3), 565–576. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-016-9960-9 OKELLO, J. (2010). Morphological and Nutritional Characteristics of Tamarindus Indica (Linn) Fruits in Uganda . (October). Ouedraogo, I., Nacoulma, B. M. I., Ouedraogo, O., Hahn, K., & Thiombiano, A. (2014). Productivité et valeur économique des calices de Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet en zone soudanienne du Burkina Faso. Bois et Forets Des Tropiques, 68 (319), 31–41. https://doi.org/10.19182/bft2014.319.a20550 Ouédraogo, S., Bondé, L., Ouédraogo, O., Thiombiano, A., Boussim, I. J., Ouédraogo, S., … Ouédraogo, A. (2019). To What Extent Do Tree Size, Climate and Land Use Influence the Fruit Production of Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Delile in Tropical Areas ( Burkina Faso )? To What Extent Do Tree Size, Climate and Land Use Influence the Fruit Production of Balanites aegyp. International Journal of Fruit Science, 0 (0), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/15538362.2019.1619216 Ounyambila Lompo, Anne, M. L., Benjamin, L., & Amadé, O. (2018). Influence of climate on fruit production of the yellow plum, Ximenia americana, in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Journal of Horticulture and Forestry, 10 (4), 36–42. https://doi.org/10.5897/jhf2017.0517 Raj, A., & Lal, S. (2014). Agroforestry: Theory and Practices . Retrieved from https://books.google.com/books?hl=en &lr=&id=vPc1DwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&dq=Raj,+J.+A.,+%2526+Lal,+B.+S.+(2014).+Agroforestry+Theory+and+Practices+.+Jodhpur:+Scientific+Publishers.+&ots=RczK-M7I32&sig=xyMxuZIPstMPvG9oUC08FUBspGM Sagna, M. B., Niang, K. S., Guisse, A., & Goffner, D. (2014). Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile: Geographical distribution and ethnobotanical knowledge by local populations in the ferlo (North Senegal). Biotechnology, Agronomy and Society and Environment, 18 (4), 503–511. Snook, L. K., Cámara-Cabrales, L., & Kelty, M. J. (2005). Six years of fruit production by mahogany trees (Swietenia macrophylla King): Patterns of variation and implications for sustainability. Forest Ecology and Management, 206 (1–3), 221–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2004.11.003 Sourou, B., Ouinsavi, C., & Sokpon, N. (2016). Ecological Structure and Fruit Production of Blood Plum (Haematostaphis barteri Hook. F) Subpopulations in Benin. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 9 (2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2016/22059 Tarun Kant and Vinod Singh gour. (2015). Report and Opinion 2015;7(2) http://www.sciencepub.net/report. 7 (2), 61–64. Tesfaye, A., & Minch, A. (2015). International Journal of Modern. 2 (189), 189–193. Yadav, J., & Panghal, M. (2010). Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. (Hingot): A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties. International Journal of Green Pharmacy, 4 (3), 140. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-8258.69158 Zeynab, J., Azadi, H., Taheri, F., Zarafshani, K., Gebrehiwot, K., Van Passel, S., & Lebailly, P. (2017). Organic Farming and Small-Scale Farmers: Main Opportunities and Challenges. Ecological Economics, 132 , 144–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2016.10.016 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-3884951","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":273842674,"identity":"f5534ed0-a1e3-4df5-95b8-6eaccbe817c6","order_by":0,"name":"Halefom Weldu","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA8klEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACAwbmBoYKEIsdyP4ApNnYCWphbGA4A2IxMxgwzgBpYSZFCzMPhIEfmLMfbHxwoGJbYj8z8zZpm1/b5PmYGRg/fMzBrcWyJ7HZ4MCZ24kzm9nKpHP7bhu2MTMwS87chsdhBxLbpD+23c7dcJjHTDq35zYjUAsbMy8+Lecftv84CNSyH6TFsue2PWEtNxLbGEBaNjADtTD8uJ1IhJaHzRJAv9TPOMxWbNnbcDu5jZmxGb9fzicf/HCg4rYxf3vzxhs//ty2nd/efPDDRzxaUAFjG5hsIFY9CPwhRfEoGAWjYBSMFAAAmMRXSLjdfokAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Halefom","middleName":"","lastName":"Weldu","suffix":""},{"id":273842675,"identity":"810718d5-c5c5-4c1a-b26d-2afe45037d60","order_by":1,"name":"sarah tewolde-berhan","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"sarah","middleName":"","lastName":"tewolde-berhan","suffix":""},{"id":273842676,"identity":"c3d446b9-363e-4a41-9ac9-f77e08700d40","order_by":2,"name":"Gebrehanns Grimay","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Gebrehanns","middleName":"","lastName":"Grimay","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-01-21 14:21:48","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3884951/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3884951/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":51440167,"identity":"c2d74bd7-b700-4a2a-bdac-a009f38bf27b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-21 17:02:13","extension":"jpeg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":108537,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eLocation of the study area\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3884951/v1/6c0ee8a16bdfcccd1fe28530.jpeg"},{"id":51440168,"identity":"ff6f4434-be39-4930-b9c9-45e74c9477c2","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-21 17:02:13","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":20440,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eKafta-Humera climodiagram (Tigray Meteorological Agency).\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3884951/v1/c989f7ce8350f673e067c007.png"},{"id":51440166,"identity":"d06d0e8a-fab7-428d-80b0-e59e40ab64be","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-21 17:02:13","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":5713,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThis image is not available with this version.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"placeholderimage.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3884951/v1/9b2b50e63e27b133d9535ac8.png"},{"id":51440169,"identity":"ddfcf44a-ba7b-442c-89c0-e0f90bdc0544","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-21 17:02:13","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":5713,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThis image is not available with this version.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"placeholderimage.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3884951/v1/61be2a3100b29914202fc578.png"},{"id":51440170,"identity":"cb02ae98-ee2f-4ab7-809b-da4e2f82c81d","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-21 17:02:13","extension":"jpeg","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":257933,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFigure 17: Photo of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e taste types varieties fruits\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3884951/v1/c27cb66944867131cff8eebd.jpeg"},{"id":51440171,"identity":"8e1b0093-e27d-452d-9755-8288279fd0d3","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-21 17:02:13","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":32523,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFigure 18 - Dendrogram results from UPGMA method of hierarchical cluster analysis of fruit morphology under DBH class and taste type varieties of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e tree fruits.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3884951/v1/20942ac6c2343a3efe91f5cf.png"},{"id":51440172,"identity":"f5c5d5b8-403f-469d-b020-8b684be22b3a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-21 17:02:13","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":46068,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFigure 19: PCA of fruit morphology values based on DBH cases and a taste type variety of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e tree\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3884951/v1/dc7e3f5e666fd5eda69a66c1.png"},{"id":51654530,"identity":"90697e2f-af23-4048-9622-1b20fe7dad4f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-02-26 16:37:45","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":532328,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3884951/v1/c01454a9-4a58-45ce-afc9-4be349a6184f.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Maintenance of Balanites aegyptiaca trees for fruit production in Kafta-Humera district, Western Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia.","fulltext":[{"header":"Background and justification","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e is of great economic and ecological importance (Tesfaye \u0026amp; Minch, 2015). The fruits of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e are edible and contain essential minerals (Sagna \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2014). In addition, the leaves of this plant are a popular source of food for animals, which is why they can play an important role as a forage tree in the desert during severe drought. In addition, all parts of the plant have pharmacological effects and are used to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, abdominal pain, jaundice, yellow fever, syphilis and epilepsy (Yadav \u0026amp; Panghal, 2010). In general, \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e is an edible wild tea used for medicinal purposes, as animal feed, for human nutrition and to improve soil fertility.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild edible plants (WEP), including the habitats of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e, are disappearing and edible plants are being selectively harvested for various purposes as growing human populations and need-based interventions continue to convert natural areas into cultivated areas (Asfaw, 2007).In Ethiopia, wild foods are a valuable livelihood supplement, complementing staple foods and ensuring food security, food diversity and income stability for the rural population (Asfaw and Tadesse, 2001; Bahru \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2013; Kidane \u003cem\u003eet al.,\u003c/em\u003e 2014). Despite the role those wild foods play in the livelihoods of rural Ethiopians, little attention has been paid to inventorying their crops and protecting species (Addis \u003cem\u003eet al.,\u003c/em\u003e 2005; Berihun i Molla, 2017).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn some countries, \u003cem\u003eBalanities\u003c/em\u003e varieties with bitter and sweet names are well known (Bassimb\u0026eacute; \u003cem\u003eet al.,\u003c/em\u003e 2014). However, this information is scarce in the study area. Therefore, understanding variation is necessary to identify superior genotypes and use them to increase fruit production and for management of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e trees. Therefore, in order to fill these gaps, in this study, investigation of fruit morphology of scattered trees of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e were initiated to improve fruit production in agricultural plots in Kafta-Humera district. The detailed objectives of the study were to quantify fruit abundance and study the morphological characteristics of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e fruits in three diameter classes and taste varieties.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"METHODS","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStudy area \u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted in the Western administrative zones of the Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia. Qafta Humera Welkayit, and tsegedye districts were selected based on a preliminary assessment of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e distribution in Tigray. Within these three districts, four sub districts were selected (Figure 1). The study area is characterized by hot to warm semi-arid lowlands agro-ecological zones (EIAR 2011). The study area has a unimodal rainfall pattern (June to September) with an average annual rainfall of 645 mm and mean temperature of 27.7\u0026deg;C (Figure.2).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vegetation of the study area comes in three major types described as \u003cem\u003eAcacia-Commiphora\u003c/em\u003e woodland, \u003cem\u003eCombretum-Terminalia\u003c/em\u003e woodland, and riparian woodland (Friis et al. 2011). The wood species most frequently observed are \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca, Diospyros mespiliformis, Adansonia digitata, Acacia Senegal, Acacia abyssinica, Acacia polyacantha, Tamarindus indicia, and Ziziphus spina-Christi.\u003c/em\u003e The land use of the study area is composed of mainly farmlands, grazing areas and forest (TAWoARD 2015; TAWoRLA 2015). Mixed crop-livestock farming is the primary livelihood system. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), pearl millet (\u003cem\u003ePennisetum glaucum\u003c/em\u003e) and maize (\u003cem\u003eZea mays\u003c/em\u003e) are the primary food crops, and sesame (\u003cem\u003eSesamum oriental\u003c/em\u003e) is the main cash crop in the area. Traditional gold panning and resin production from \u003cem\u003eBoswellia papyrifera\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eAcacia Senegal\u003c/em\u003e are additional sources of income.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSampling design and data collection\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey informants were pre-determined to help identify bitter and sweet \u003cem\u003eBalanites\u003c/em\u003e varieties in the field. From a total of 30 key informants, from district participated in selecting 18 trees from both bitter and sweet \u003cem\u003eBalanites\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eaegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e varieties during the fruiting season. The trees were classified into three diameter classes (15-30cm, 31-45cm, and 46-60cm) from which 6 trees were selected randomly from each class. Sample branches from upper, middle and lower canopy were harvested following Gwali \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2012). Mature fruits were collected from the trees selected for this study. Fruits were harvested by climbing onto the tree and picking after the fruit ripens. The studied fruits had no visible insect damage or disease symptoms. sixty fruit per diameter classes were randomly picked for morphological analysis (Lima \u003cem\u003eet al., \u003c/em\u003e2015). This corresponds to a total of 180 fruits sampled in the selected study area.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the fresh fruits, the following parameters were determined: fruit length (cm), seed length (cm), kernel weight (g) fruit width (cm), seed width (cm) measurements using a Vernier caliper (Ahmed, 2019). Individual fruit weight (g), seed weight (g), and Pulp mass was obtained by weighing using a sensitive balance (Abasse \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2011). Pulp mass weighted after removing the seeds and skin of the fruit. The fresh pulps were dried at 70 \u003csup\u003e0\u003c/sup\u003e\u003csub\u003eC\u003c/sub\u003e for 24 hours in a drying oven until constant weight content was obtained following Boone and Wengert, (1998).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit counting method by extrapolation (kouyate \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2016) was applied in this study to assess fruit production per tree. According to the number of fruiting branches per DBH classes, selected from upper, middle and lower canopy, were counted according to the Sample branches as follow:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo branches when the number of fruiting branches was less than or equal to 5\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree branches when the number of fruiting branches was between 5 and 10\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour branches when the number of fruiting branches was more than 10.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe total numbers of fruits per branch class were obtained by multiplying the average number of fruits with the number of fruiting branches. The total number of fruits of the whole tree was obtained by summing the fruits number of all different branch classes (Ou\u0026eacute;draogo \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2019). For each \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptica\u003c/em\u003e tree from which fruit was selected, certain dendrometric parameters such as diameter at breast height (DBH), number of branches, crown diameter and total height were measured.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3.3. Data analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll data were compiled and prepared with Excel 2010 computer program and analysis conducted with R software version 3.6.2 (Crawley, 2013). One and two-way ANOVA was used based on data type and the hypothesis to be tested. Morphological characteristic of fruit was analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Shapiro-Wilk normality test was used to check whether the data had come from a normally distributed population. Leaven tests were used for homogeneity of variance which indicates whether the variance scores were the same for all the groups. Correlation analyses were done to assess the relationships between quantities of fruit and dendrometric parameters, using Pearson correlation. A clustering and PCA (principal component analysis) multivariate analysis was done to show if there was a natural differentiation in the fruit properties and the associated data collected using past v.3 (Hammer \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2001). LSD\u003csub\u003e0.05\u003c/sub\u003e Tukey\u0026rsquo;s test was used to separate the significant means.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"RESULTS AND DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDensity of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e by cultural group and land use\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e densities varied noticeably between areas in the two land use types (p. 05, Kruskal Wallis test, Figure 3). The forest had a much higher \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e density than all the farmland combined. The diameter class distribution of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e in both land use types followed a bell-shaped curve rather than an inverted J shape, indicating recruitment or regeneration issues (Figure 4). There were very few \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e specimens found in farmlands and none in the forest habitat in DBH class 15-30 cm, indicating serious recruitment issues. Large diameter trees (DBH classes 31\u0026ndash;45 cm and 46\u0026ndash;60 cm) were slightly more prevalent in farmlands than in forests (see data on supplemental file).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhenotypic characteristics of the fruits of\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;local morphotypes\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCommunity knowledge of morphotypes\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll communities reported that there are two original morphotypes of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e with distinct original names. crucial snitchers distinguished between sweet and bitter trees by taste, cover number, cover size, and color of growing. The bitter trees produce smaller fruits, have a thinner cover, and a light brown color at growing. In addition, the wood of bitter trees is hard and brittle, meaning it\u0026rsquo;s fluently broken. Grounded on these characteristics, bitter Balanites aegyptiaca is considered to be \u0026lsquo;manly\u0026rsquo; by communities. By comparison, the sweet tamarind variety is considered womanish because it produces further fruits each year, has thicker pods that are sanguine at maturity, and its wood is neither hard nor brittle.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Fruits morphological diversity\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e fruits were characterized in terms of their physical structures and morphology similar as fruit weight, seed weight, pulp weight, seed weight, fruit length, seed length, fruit range, and seed range. The fruit shape was diversified in the observation of globular and round (egg- shaped). The vividness of the bitter variety of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits of both the fruit cover and pulp is lighter brown while the sweet fruit cover and fresh pulp are typically deep brown (Figure 17).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mean values recorded for fruit weight, fruit width, seed width, and pulp weight variables showed significant differences at (p\u0026lt;0.05) among bitter and sweet type variety and with tree DBH classes of \u003cem\u003eBalanites\u003c/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eaegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e trees (Table 7). Seed weight, seed coat weight, kernel weight, and fruit length were no having significant difference (p\u0026gt;0.05) between bitter and sweet type of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003etree.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 7: Mean (\u0026plusmn;Sd) values of Morphological characterizations of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003efruit, small (15-30cm), middle (31-45cm) and large (46-60cm).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"652\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParameter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTaste type\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"43.77880184331797%\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDBH \u0026nbsp;class\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCV%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLSD\u003csub\u003e0.05\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"35.78947368421053%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003elarge\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"32.98245614035088%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"31.228070175438596%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSmall\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003efruit weight(g)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esweet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.34\u0026plusmn;(0.735)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.09\u0026plusmn;(0.77)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.74\u0026plusmn;(0.68)\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.46\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ebitter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.38\u0026plusmn;(0.74)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.82\u0026plusmn;(0.33)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e7.79\u0026plusmn;(0.61)\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.17\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;***\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eseed weight(g)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esweet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.93\u0026plusmn;(0.73)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.82\u0026plusmn;(1.3)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.73\u0026plusmn;(0.86)b\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e16.84\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ebitter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.21\u0026plusmn;(0.31)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.67\u0026plusmn;(0.45)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.78\u0026plusmn;(0.67)b\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003epulp weight(g)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esweet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.06\u0026plusmn;(0.54)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.45\u0026plusmn;(0.16)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.22\u0026plusmn;(1.35)\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.4\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.89\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ebitter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.02a\u0026plusmn;(0.21)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.81a\u0026plusmn;(0.48)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.56\u0026plusmn;(0.21)\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.41\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ekernel weight(g)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esweet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.92\u0026plusmn;(0.28)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.93\u0026plusmn;(0.08)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.73\u0026plusmn;(0.09)\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.35\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ebitter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.86\u0026plusmn;(0.15)\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.96\u0026plusmn;(0.06)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.57\u0026plusmn;(0.06)\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.66\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.21\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eseed coat weight(g)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esweet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.16\u0026plusmn;(1.3)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.47\u0026plusmn;(0.5)a\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.1\u0026plusmn;(0.24)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.24\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1.64\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ebitter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.1\u0026plusmn;(0.1)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.15\u0026plusmn;(0.4)a\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2\u0026plusmn;(0.12)a\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e10.82\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.52\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003efruit length(mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esweet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.4\u0026plusmn;(0.44)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.3\u0026plusmn;(0.29)a\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34.4\u0026plusmn;(0.07)b\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.75\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.62\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ebitter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e38.1\u0026plusmn;(0.32)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37\u0026plusmn;(0.18)a\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.5\u0026plusmn;(0.36)b\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e*\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eseed length(mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esweet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e31.73\u0026plusmn;(0.43)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e37.7\u0026plusmn;(0.69)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.4\u0026plusmn;(0.11)b\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e14.1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ebitter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e35.3\u0026plusmn;(0.35)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34.4\u0026plusmn;(0.13)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e32.6\u0026plusmn;(0.3)b\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.56\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003efruit width(mm)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esweet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.7\u0026plusmn;(0.19)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25.6\u0026plusmn;(0.15)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e21.6\u0026plusmn;(0.1)b\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e6.67\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"19.201228878648234%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.216589861751151%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ebitter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"15.668202764976959%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.4\u0026plusmn;(0.68)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"14.439324116743471%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.2\u0026plusmn;(0.11)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.671274961597542%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20\u0026plusmn;(0.02)b\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.141321044546851%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e12.98\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"9.831029185867896%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTreatments with the same letter are not significantly different (p\u0026lt; 0.05)\u0026nbsp;Where,\u0026nbsp;* =P\u0026lt; 0.05, ** =p\u0026lt;0.01, and ***=p\u0026lt;0.001, NS=p\u0026gt; 0.05,\u0026nbsp;DBH = diameter at breast height\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe analysis of variance mean values of fruit weight, pulp weight, fruit width, and seed width shows significant differences (p\u0026lt;0.001) between taste varieties of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e trees.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mean value of seed weight, seed coat weight, kernel weight, fruit length, and seed length were shows significant difference (p\u0026gt;0.05) between the two distinct varieties. The differences expressed in the morphology of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e fruit within the different taste type varieties within the same agro-ecology zone could mean that it has high genetic variation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;In general, this result shows that the bitter and sweet trees were distinct varieties found within the study area as much confirmed with the local knowledge as traditionally distinguished morphotypes of these \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e varieties.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis finding was similar to Kala and Dubey, (2014) has reported similar results for fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e. They observed fruit length 36 to 58mm, fruit diameter 18.7 to 28.5mm and fruit weight 5.5 to 10.5g study in humid subtropical climatic condition of Agra, India. \u0026nbsp;similarly Abasse \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, (2011) reported that Fruit weight (6.28g) fruit length (2.78 cm) fruit width (2.22 cm) seed length (2.51cm) seed width (1.82cm) \u0026nbsp;and kernel weight (0.58g) of fruit morphology of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e was recorded in the Maradi region of Niger.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere was a significant difference (p\u0026lt;0.05) in fruit morphology across the DBH class. The medium and large DBH classes were shown significantly different (p\u0026lt;0.05) within the corresponding lower DBH class of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eThe middle DBH class had the highest fruit weight (9.45g), pulp weight (3.1g), thickness (23.9mm), seed width (15.7mm) and in contrast to lower DBH class that recorded 8.27g, 1.9g, 20.8mm, and 13.3mm respectively. , seed coat weight were not a significant difference (p\u0026lt;0.05) among tree DBH classes, but slightly decreasing the fruit attribute to tree DBH classes increase.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe middle diameter class had also fruit weight, pulp weight, kernel weight, highest fruit length, thickness and seed thickness in contrast to high and lower diameter class. Fruit weight found to be in the range of (7.8g\u0026ndash;10.3g) this result was higher than reported by Ahmed \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e (2019) 5.8-8.7g. \u0026nbsp;Similarly the length of fruit was higher than previously reported by Arbonnier, (2002) 21.6-35.2mm long. Fruit thickness found to be in the range of (20.8-25.7mm). This result was lower than reported by Abasse \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2011) 27.8\u0026ndash;30.5mm.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLikewise seed thickness found to be in the range of (13.3-16.8mm). This result was lower than reported by\u0026nbsp;(El Feel and Warrag, 2006) who reported seed thickness of the fruit that ranges from 19-23mm.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe climatic conditions were similar at our study so the important factors that may have affected the intraspecific variation in phenotypic or morphological traits of the fruits are the reflection of age and genetic variability (Assogbadjo \u003cem\u003eet al.,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e2006). The differences expressed in morphology of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e fruit across the different diameter class and taste type variety with in the same agro ecology zone could mean that it has high genetic variation. This indicates great potential for further improvement or breeding through selecting super provenance for domestication.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mean moisture content of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e fruit pulp of sweet and bitter varieties found that 20.38% and 17.76% mean values respectively. That shows significant difference (p\u0026lt;0.05) fruit pulp moisture content between the two taste type \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e fruits. Sweet fruit type varieties were higher by 12.8% from bitter fruit type varieties of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e tree. This result may be due to fruit size and genetic varieties of the \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e tree of the study area. Such result was in agreement with that reported by; Roy and Joshi, 1995; ; Groller \u003cem\u003eet al.,\u003c/em\u003e 1998; Girma, 2014). 18.5%, 22.6 \u0026ndash; 69%) and 20% of moisture content in fruit pulp respectively. In contrast, 15.80 % of moisture content of the fruit (Amit\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;et al\u003c/em\u003e., 2011) which is observed lesser than in this case.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e4.5.2. Fruit production of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e tree\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit production varied significantly (p\u0026lt;0.01) among the tree DBH classes of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003etree (Table 8), But not statistically significant (p\u0026gt;0.05) between bitter and sweet type variety. Similarly, in fruit quantity the analysis result shows significant differences (p\u0026lt;0.05) among DBH classes and between taste type \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e tree varieties. Higher values recorded on larger DBH classes than in middle and lower DBH classes. According to test variety, the bitter type was produced slightly higher fruit quantity than sweet type.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn fruit moisture content The ANOVA analysis indicated that, these mean values showed that significant differences (p\u0026lt;0.05) in moisture content between these distinct varieties and DBH classes at (p\u0026lt;0.05).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable 8: Mean (\u0026plusmn;Sd) values of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e fruit production\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"658\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.540212443095598%\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParameter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.890743550834598%\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eTaste\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"51.441578148710164%\" colspan=\"3\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDBH \u0026nbsp;class\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.132018209408194%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCV%\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.801213960546283%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eLSD\u003csub\u003e0.05\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.19423368740516%\" rowspan=\"2\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eP-Value\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"32.64705882352941%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003elarge\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.529411764705884%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMiddle\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"33.8235294117647%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSmall\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.515151515151516%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eMoisture cont. (%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.878787878787879%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esweet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.818181818181817%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.33\u0026plusmn;(1.04)\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.272727272727273%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e22.55\u0026plusmn;(1.98)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.424242424242426%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18.25\u0026plusmn;(2.12)\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.121212121212121%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.787878787878787%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.95\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.181818181818182%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.878787878787879%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ebitter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.818181818181817%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.48\u0026plusmn;(0.58)\u003csup\u003eab\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.272727272727273%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e20.23\u0026plusmn;(0.84)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.424242424242426%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15.57\u0026plusmn;(2.6)\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.121212121212121%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e9.15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.787878787878787%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e3.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.181818181818182%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e* *\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.515151515151516%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFruit production(kg)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.878787878787879%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esweet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.818181818181817%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e34.23\u0026plusmn;(0.35)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.272727272727273%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e27.82\u0026plusmn;(2.07)\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.424242424242426%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e17.55\u0026plusmn;(2.7)\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.121212121212121%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.78\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.787878787878787%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.53\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.181818181818182%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;***\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.878787878787879%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ebitter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.818181818181817%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e28.44\u0026plusmn;(1.1)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.272727272727273%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e26.95\u0026plusmn;(0.79)\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.424242424242426%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e23.78\u0026plusmn;(0.95)\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.121212121212121%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.2\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.787878787878787%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2.74\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.181818181818182%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e** *\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.515151515151516%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eQuantity of fruit/tree\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.878787878787879%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003esweet\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.818181818181817%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2377.9\u0026plusmn;(165.9)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.272727272727273%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2034.1\u0026plusmn;(92.3)\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.424242424242426%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1432.8\u0026plusmn;(575.5)\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.121212121212121%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e4.57\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.787878787878787%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e248.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.181818181818182%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.515151515151516%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.878787878787879%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ebitter\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"16.818181818181817%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2484\u0026plusmn;(83.9)\u003csup\u003ea\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.272727272727273%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2398.3\u0026plusmn;(228.6)\u003csup\u003eb\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"17.424242424242426%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e2148.5\u0026plusmn;(380)\u003csup\u003ec\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"7.121212121212121%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.787878787878787%\" valign=\"bottom\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e520.6\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"8.181818181818182%\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTreatments with the same letter are not significantly different (p\u0026lt;0.05) where\u0026nbsp;* =P\u0026lt;0.05, ** =p\u0026lt;0.01, and ***=p\u0026lt;0.001, NS=p\u0026gt;0.05,\u0026nbsp;DBH = diameter at breast height\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccordingly, the mean values of fruit per tree DBH were varied from 31. 33Kg for large DBH class, 27.38Kg middle, and the corresponding lower class 20.66Kg. At middle DBH (31\u0026ndash;45cm) and lower DBH (15\u0026ndash;30cm) lower by 12.6% and 34 % respectively as compared with large DBH (46 \u0026ndash; 60cm). The result noted that the total quantity of fruits increased with stem diameter. This determination was similar to (Ou\u0026eacute;draogo \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2019) report on \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e in fruit production increases with stem DBH increase. Likewise,(Lompo \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e 2018) study on \u003cem\u003eXimenia Americana\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003ethe total number of fruits increased with stem diameter.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result suggests also in agreement with Miller \u0026amp; Dietz, (2004) that larger trees (large DBH) generally have greater fruit quantities than those of smaller trees. Large trees produce more fruits; because they have larger crowns; as crown volume increases exponentially with DBH, so doe\u0026rsquo;s fruit production (Charoensuk \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2018).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe small trees use their energy for both vegetative growth and reproduction. Additionally, the small tree crown size and the root developments (which contribute significantly to nutritive substances synthesis) are less than those of the larger trees. Therefore, the highest fruit production observed in the large trees could be related to their greater ability to assure the photosynthesis (Demir \u003cem\u003eet al.,\u003c/em\u003e 2014; Snook \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2005).\u0026nbsp;Since DBH is an easily accessible dendrometric parameter, it could be used to evaluate the fruit potential of this species that is highly exploited for economic purposes throughout its distribution range.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e4.5.3. Correlation of fruit production with tree morphological variable\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Pearson correlation tests of showed that DBH exhibited the strongest positive relationship with fruit production\u0026nbsp;(r=0.59, p\u0026lt;0.0001), and tree height exhibited the weakest correlation with fruit production of the species (r = 0.26, p\u0026lt;0.0001). The results displayed also DBH and height as the highest and lowest parameters correlated with the number of fruits respectively (Table 9).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorrelation studies provide information on the nature and extent of association between any two things (Mayavel \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2018). The Pearson correlation showed that the quantity of fruit per tree, fruit production with a DBH, crown diameter, and the number of branches was observed, that strong and positively correlated.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;9: Pearson correlation analysis between tree\u0026nbsp;morphological parameters\u0026nbsp;and fruit production\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ctable border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" width=\"643\"\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.704510108864696%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 17.2285%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eParameters \u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eDBH\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.35303265940902%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.5847%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eH\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNB\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.443234836702955%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 3.1571%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFP\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.704510108864696%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 17.2285%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDBH\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.35303265940902%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.5847%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.443234836702955%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 3.1571%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.704510108864696%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 17.2285%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eH\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.26NS\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.35303265940902%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.5847%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.443234836702955%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 3.1571%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.704510108864696%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 17.2285%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCD\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.78**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.35303265940902%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.5847%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.44ns\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.443234836702955%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 3.1571%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.704510108864696%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 17.2285%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eCA\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.79**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.35303265940902%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.5847%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.42ns\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.99***\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.443234836702955%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 3.1571%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.704510108864696%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 17.2285%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eNB\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.68**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.35303265940902%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.5847%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.21ns\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.68**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.63**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.443234836702955%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 3.1571%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"29.704510108864696%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 17.2285%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFP\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.59**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.35303265940902%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.5847%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.16ns\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.67**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"11.66407465007776%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 6.7651%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.63**\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"13.685847589424572%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 7.9378%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e0.82***\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"5.443234836702955%\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 3.1571%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd width=\"100%\" colspan=\"7\" valign=\"bottom\" style=\"width: 57.9096%;\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eWhere * = p\u0026le; 0.05, ** = up \u0026le; 0.01, NS = non- significant at p\u0026lt; 0.05, r = correlation DBH = Diameter at breast height, \u0026nbsp;H = total height of the tree; CA = Crown cover area (m2) NB = number of branches, CD = Crown diameter (m) n = number of trees FP = Fruit production\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e fruit production increases with DBH, the crown cover area, and the number of branches. Various works on tropical fruit-bearing trees have reported similar results on local fruit-bearing trees (Bond\u0026eacute;\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;et al.,\u003c/em\u003e 2019; Lankoand\u0026eacute; \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2017; Nacoulma \u003cem\u003eet al.,\u003c/em\u003e 2017; and Ouedraogo \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2014). This study showed that, first of all, predictive variables, the fruit production are a function of the tree trunk size. Therefore, DBH is a judicious parameter to facilitate fruit production (Kainer \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2007).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e was positively related to tree diameter, suggesting that the bigger the tree, the greater its ability to flower and bear fruits. This confirms with a study on \u003cem\u003eHaematostaphis barteri\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003etree species provided that tree size positively correlated with fruit production (Sourou \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2016). It also found a significant and positive correlation between fruit production and crown width. A similar result has been observed study on \u003cem\u003ePersea Americana\u003c/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eMiller\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003ethat the productivity of avocado trees had shown a significant correlation with canopy width (Biazin \u003cem\u003eet al.,\u003c/em\u003e 2018). Trees that received more sunlight tended to produce more fruits (Londres \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e., 2017).\u0026nbsp;Such Strong and positive correlations are useful in tree provenance selection. However, the amount of fruit was not significantly correlated (p \u0026gt; 0.05) with total tree height. Weak correlation fruits production with height is that height does not allow estimating the fruit production due to there is the tall tree with small diameter and short tree with a large big diameter\u0026nbsp;(Abdou\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;et al.,\u003c/em\u003e 2015).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hierarchical clustering analysis on \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e fruit morphology diversity was distributed into three main clusters. The first cluster included sweetS (S denotes small DBH class) and bitterS sub clusters, the second cluster included sweetM (M denotes medium DBH class) and bitterM, the third group was sweetL (L denotes large DBH class) and bitter L (Figure 18). A factor found in the same cluster indicates the factors have a similarity effect on fruit morphology and found at a different cluster shows the factors had different effects on fruit morphology and diversity. The hierarchical clustering shows DBH classes have significant impact to fruit morphology diversity when compared to taste variety types. Additionally the three groups of hierarchical clustering shows the three DBH cases have different effect on fruit morphological diversity and fruit production. . Generally, the clustering analysis indicates the natural differentiation of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e fruit morphology characteristics was more affected by tree DBH and followed by taste type variety of the tree.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA principal component analysis (PCA) of the DBH class groups was run for fruit morphology diversity values as presented in (Figure 19). As can be seen with respect to the principal components (PC) 1 and 2, the score of the principal component analysis showed that two components explained 58.07% of the total variation contributed by all characteristics for the \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e tree fruit morphology, the first component presented 41.03%, the second component 17.04% on the total variation of fruit morphology.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first component presented 41.03% of the variation in which fruit weight, pulp weight, fruit quantity, fruit production, moisture content and seed width had the highest loadings to varied fruit morphology among DBH classes and taste type \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e tree. The second component 17.04% of the variation in this variation seed coat weight and kernel weight was higher loadings on the total variation of fruit morphology.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Both the PCA and cluster analysis show that the fruit characteristics is mostly determined by DBH rather than variety, though variety also has a secondary effect. The DBH effects of small trees are shown at a higher distance than the medium and large. All of this is congruent with existing knowledge, that small and mature trees give different dimensions in fruits. Varieties also show a secondary effect, with it being again congruent with existing studies that varieties also affect fruit characteristics. It should also be noted that this study clearly shows that there are two distinct varieties of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca.\u003c/em\u003e Similarly to this study Grygorieva \u003cem\u003eet al\u003c/em\u003e. (2014) reported on morphological characteristics of fruits, drupes and seeds in genotypes of \u003cem\u003eZiziphus jujuba mill\u003c/em\u003e through multivariate analysis (PCA and clustering) shows varied on genotypes of \u003cem\u003eZiziphus jujube mill\u003c/em\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS","content":"\u003cp\u003eFruit morphology and production differences were observed among morphological characteristics of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e varieties of taste types and DBH classes in Kafta-Humera district. Using morphological characters of fruit, this study pointed out that there is a high variation in fruit weight, seed weight, kernel weight, fruit length, seed length, fruit thickness, seed thickness and moisture content of fruit pulp of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e among the sweet and bitter type varieties of the tree.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, fruit production per tree was significant varied among the DBH classes and highly positively correlated with crown diameter (CD), and Crown area (CA) but not more related to the tree height. This study contributes to highlighting the knowledge on parameters influencing fruit production of \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e in tropical zones. Finally, \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e as a multipurpose tree added a significant amount of nutrients to the soil. Thus, retaining these important tree species on farmland played a positive role and have a good potential fruit production that augments food security.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e5.2. Recommendations\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe research results enable us to draw the following recommendations:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eretaining these important \u003cem\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca\u003c/em\u003e tree species on farmland played a positive role and have a good potential fruit production that augments food security.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe morphological evidence and community knowledge differentiating these two morphotypes highlights the need for conservation of their populations in northern Ethiopia. While this research demonstrated phenotypic variation between the morphotypes recognized by local communities, a more detailed study that includes genetic analyses is necessary for conservation of intraspecific diversity.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurther botanical investigations are needed, taking into consideration variations in fruit characteristics according to the fruit shape and tree location and the effect of environmental and genetically conditions and different types or varieties of this species may be identified.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDetails of each author with his or her contribution to this paper are as follows:Types of contributionHalefom Weldu: research proposal development, Study Execution, Data collection, Data entery and analysis, Report writing and first draft manuscript development.Sarah Teweldebrihan- Research proposal development, Supervion data analysis, report writing and editingGebrehanns Grimay - Supervision ,data analysis, editing\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA. 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Ecological Economics, \u003cem\u003e132\u003c/em\u003e, 144\u0026ndash;154. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2016.10.016\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1016/j.ecolecon.2016.10.016\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Tree diameter class, Fruit, multipurpose tree, Balanites aegyptiaca, agroforestry","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3884951/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3884951/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eBalanites aegyptiaca is a dryland tree species with multiple socioeconomic and ecological benefits. The tree is cultivated by farmers in their fields in the Kafta Humera District, but scientific information on the local fruit morphological characteristics, and its fruit production of the Balanites aegyptiaca tree were insufficient in the study area. This study was initiated to investigate the morphology and fruit production of Balanites aegyptiaca for conservation in Kafta-Humeradistrict. Fruit morphology was studied on 180 fruits from 18 trees representing three diameter classes and two flavors. The relationship between dendrometric parameters and fruit production was analyzed using Pearson's correlation test. In addition, ANOVA was used for fruit morphology and production. Results showed that fruit morphological characteristics and fruit production were significant (p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.05) and differed according to DBH grade and flavor. Overall, the multipurpose tree Balanites aegyptiaca has the potential to produce fruit and the conservation of this tree on agricultural land with proper management in drought-prone areas could increase food security and provide great potential for edible wild crops.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Maintenance of Balanites aegyptiaca trees for fruit production in Kafta-Humera district, Western Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia.","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-02-21 17:02:08","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-3884951/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"ed93ac1a-a1e9-4e6b-a75e-191b1b07ecf9","owner":[],"postedDate":"February 21st, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-02-26T16:29:38+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-02-21 17:02:08","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-3884951","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-3884951","identity":"rs-3884951","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}