Factors affecting population structure and fruit production of <i>Strychnos innocua</i> Delile and <i>Strychnos spinosa</i> Lam. in Benin, West Africa

Abstract

Local practices in West Africa, including in Benin, critically affect fruit production of some key wild plant species. This study aims to assess how land use types, dbh, tree height, and fire, affect the fruit production of Strychnos innocua and Strychnos spinosa (Loganiaceae) and the extent of the phenological variability across various bioclimatic zones in Benin. 320 trees were randomly selected for each species across four land use types and two bioclimatic zones in Benin to assess fruit production. The mean number of fruits produced per tree varied between 43.3 and 81.2 in the Sudanian zone and 12.7 and 20.8 in the Sudano-Guinean zone for S. innocua and S. spinosa, respectively. The bioclimatic zone significantly affected (p < 0.001) the number of fruits produced by individuals of both species. A strong relationship was also found between fruit production and dendrometric characteristics, land use types, and human disturbance (p < 0.001). The study concluded that sites of both species in the Sudanian zone are more suitable for conservation.