Indigenous knowledge, morphological variation and genetic diversity of Blighia sapida K.D. Koenig in Benin

Ackee is an underutilized species native to West Africa important for the livelihoods of rural population and candidate species for domestication. However, because the species was neglected for so long, key knowledge essential to elaborate a clear domestication strategy is very sketchy in the region. This book provide data from Benin on farmer's indigenous knowledge and perception of variation taking into account the difference among ethnic groups and gender, the morphological variability in tree and fruit traits in relation to the environment, and the genetic structure (using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism, nuclear and chloroplast microsatellites markers) of wild and cultivated populations. Strategies for sustainable domestication and conservation of ackee genetic resources are discussed.