Morpho-biochemical diversity and production of Tamarindus indica L. (Fabaceae) in the Sudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon

Abstract

Abstract Tamarindus indica L. (tamarind) is an economically and nutritionally important species. This study characterized the morphological and biochemical diversity of 300 tamarind trees from 10 locations in Cameroon’s Sudano-Sahelian zone. Significant diversity was observed. High variability (Coefficient of Variation > 45%) was found in fruit traits like zinc content, calcium content, shell thickness, and seed dimensions, as well as in tree traits like diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height. Principal Component Analysis showed the first five components accounted for 45.1% of total variance. Tree height correlated positively with leaf area (r = 0.47) and DBH (r = 0.35). Biochemically, polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids were strongly inter-correlated, especially polyphenols and tannins (r = 0.80). Hierarchical Ascending Classification grouped the genotypes into three distinct classes, each with unique morphological and physicochemical profiles. These findings provide valuable insights for breeders seeking to improve tamarind cultivars for enhanced production and quality.