The aim of this study was to combine qualitative and quantitative tools to evidence ethnic differences in use value and use patterns of baobab for the rural populations of northern Benin. The study was carried out in the municipalities of Boukoumbé and Karimama, focusing on Ottamari and Dendi ethnic groups, respectively, who have good knowledge on baobab uses. Ethnobotanical data were gathered through semi-structured individual interviews and processed by quantitative (multiple use curve, use value and fidelity level) and qualitative (flow chart) analytical and ethnobotanical methods. Leaves, fruit pulp and seeds of baobab were shown to be well-known for several food uses and were often the main ingredient in sauces, pastes, porridges and beverages. Medicinal uses were especially well-known for the bark, which was also used for making ropes. In both communities, a total of 38 different uses were mentioned for baobab products. There were significantly more uses known by the Ottamari than by the Dendi, with use values of 8 and 5, respectively. There were no differences detected in knowledge between sexes and age classes. As a result of its nutritional and high potential market value, preservation of ethnobotanical knowledge on baobab and exchange between communities is critical. On n'a décelé aucune différence de connaissances en fonction de l'âge ni du sexe. Suite à sa valeur nutritionnelle et à sa haute valeur commerciale potentielle, la préservation des connaissances ethnobotaniques sur le baobab et des échanges entre communautés est critique.

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In recent years, temperate bamboo species have been introduced in Europe not only as an ornamental plant, but also as a new biomass crop. To measure adaptation stress of bamboo to the climate of Western Europe, chlorophyll fluorescence was measured on a diurnal and seasonal basis in Ballyboughal, Co. Dublin, Ireland. Measurements were attained on the leaves of each node of Phyllostachys humilis. The most frequently used parameter in chlorophyll fluorescence is the photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm). A seasonal dip - as well as a larger variation - of Fv/Fm in spring compared to the rest of the year was observed. Over the year, the upper leaves of the plant perform better than the bottom leaves. These findings were linked to environmental factors such as light intensity, air temperature and precipitation, as increased light intensities, decreasing air temperatures and their interactions, also with precipitation levels have an effect on the photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) in these plants.

Among the priority species identified for domestication in the Sahel region of Sub-Sahara Africa is the baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) tree. The quantification of the variation in nutrient content and fruit morphological traits of trees is one of the most important steps in identifying superior planting material for domestication. Ten provenances in Mali covering all the different agro-ecological zones were selected and the fruit morphological traits, vitamin C, calcium, iron and colour were studied. Mean pulp content was 2,149 +/- A 1,117 , 2,406 +/- A 776 and 25 +/- A 17 mg kg(-1) for vitamin C, calcium and iron, respectively. Fruit pulp colour varied from white, creamy to pink and a significant correlation between pulp vitamin C content and reflectance in the green and blue bands was observed. Significant negative correlations were found between rainfall and pulp vitamin C content and between mean annual temperature and fruit and pulp weight and pulp fraction, suggesting that these traits are influenced by the environment. Pulp iron content correlated positively with topsoil sodicity and base saturation. Similarly, pulp vitamin C content correlated positively with topsoil sand fraction. Pulp reflectance in the blue and green bands correlated negatively with topsoil pH water and base saturation, respectively. The variation in nutritive and morphological traits offers the opportunity for selecting plus trees with a combination of desired traits for domestication