Projects

GenPhyB (2018-2020) - Borassus genetics and and phylogeography - Funded by SEP2D (France)

Project leader: A Zouri-Kifouli Adéoti

Scientists involved from our team : T Couvreur

Through its multiple food and non-food uses, the African fan palm Borassus aethiopum Mart. represents a significant resource for rural population Western Africa. However, the anthropic pressure exerted over individuals from both sexes (males for construction wood, females for fruits and hypocotyls) and the lack of knowledge regarding the reproductive development represent serious threats against the preservation of this species.

The GenPhyB project sets out to caracterize the genetic diversity of fan palm populations and thus, aims to contribute to the sustainable management of phytogenetic resources. In a first phase, the evolutive history of the Borassus genus will be studied through a phylogeographic approach, then the genetic diversity of B. aethiopum populations will be assessed throughout several of the Western African countries where the species is present. The comparison of species diversity between unprotected and protected areas will allow us to evaluate how efficient the latter are.

As a complement to this project, the characterization of the reproductive development and the identification of early sexualization markers might lead to a more rationalized exploitation of this resource.