Characterization of Morphological Diversity in Fruit and Nut Traits of Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) Collected From Kwara, Niger and Benue States of the Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn.) is a multipurpose oil tree species found in the savanna regions of Africa. Genetic diversity research of shea is necessary for planning effective breeding programmes geared towards its domestication and genetic improvement. Hence, the objective of this paper was to characterize the morphological diversity in fruit and nut traits of shea across six locations in three states (Gure and Kosuboso in Kwara State, Emishurun and Gbakogi-kasara in Niger State, and Abaji and Sati-agirigi in Benue State) of the Guinea Savanna of Nigeria using various standard methods. Data showed that the highest values of geometric diameter (4.71 cm) and area (70.03 cm2) of fruits were obtained from genotypes in Abaji and was significantly different (p < 0.05) from genotypes in other locations except Sati-agirigi. The geometric nut diameter for genotypes in Emishurun were significantly different (p < 0.05) from those in other locations. The highest and least nut weights were recorded in Abaji (25.88 g) and Gure (12.52 g) respectively. There were highly significant and positive correlations between most fruit and nut traits. Principal components 1 and 2 contributed 63.4% and 20.4% respectively to the variation in traits. The results revealed substantial variation in the fruit and nut traits; highlighting the potential for genetic improvement strategies aimed towards conserving the diversity within shea populations and improving fruit quality and yield.