Genetic variation among half-sib families of the multipurpose indigenous fruit tree Vangueria infausta in Malawi

Vangueria infausta (wild medlar) is an indigenous fruit tree widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa, valued for its nutritional, medicinal, and economic benefits. Despite its potential, the species is still sourced from forests, with limited domestication and breeding efforts due to insufficient knowledge of genetic and environmental influences on growth and productivity. This study evaluated fruit yield traits (fruit yield, fruit count, seed count, pulp content) and vegetative growth traits (tree height, leaf size, primary branches, stem number) in 4-year-old half-sib families near Lilongwe, Malawi. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among families for several traits. Mean tree height ranged from 123–175 cm, leaf size from 75–150 cm², and pulp weight from 2.1–3.5 g. The variability among families demonstrates the potential for domestication through selection and breeding, though findings are based on a small sample from one locality. This highlights the need for broader genetic and environmental studies to support cultivation and improve livelihoods through wild medlar domestication.

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-025-01414-2

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