Phenotyping of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. accessions for fruit production in Kafta-Humera District, Western Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del . is a multipurpose native fruit tree species that plays a significant role in supporting food security and livelihoods in the drylands of Ethiopia. This study evaluated phenotypic variation in fruit production and tree morphological traits of 90 accessions across three land-use systems (grazing land, farmland, and area closure) and two locally recognized taste types (sweet and sour) in Kafta-Humera District, Western Tigray. Data on tree morphometry, fruit yield, and fruit physical characteristics were collected and analyzed using two-way ANOVA, correlation, and principal component analysis. Results showed highly significant ( p < 0.001) effects of land-use system and taste type on all measured traits. Trees in area closures exhibited superior performance, with the highest mean fruit weight (15.2 g), pulp weight (9.8 g), and fruit yield (68.4 kg/tree). Sweet accessions consistently produced larger and heavier fruits with higher pulp content than sour types across all land uses. Strong positive correlations were observed between fruit weight and pulp weight ( r = 0.94), and between fruit yield and tree size parameters, particularly crown diameter ( r = 0.81). Principal component analysis explained 78.5% of total variation, clearly separating accessions by land use and taste type. The findings demonstrate substantial phenotypic variability and confirm the value of indigenous knowledge in identifying superior germplasm. Area closures serve as important in-situ conservation sites, and sweet-tasting accessions show strong potential for domestication and integration into dryland agroforestry systems.