Characterization of some Nigerian monkey kola (cola pachycarpa K. Schum,) accessions using pomological and seed traits

Abstract

This study was conducted in where? to evaluate and characterize selected Nigerian accessions of monkey kola (Cola pachycarpa K. Schum) using pomological, seed, and seedling traits, with the aim of identifying genetically diverse and agronomically superior materials for future breeding and domestication efforts. The experiment employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates for fruit and seed traits, and four replicates for seedling growth traits. Substantial genotypic variability was observed among the accessions for all measured traits. Fruit weight ranged from 18.13 ± 2.41 g to 28.55 ± 3.91 g, while seed weight varied between 2.58 ± 0.26 g and 3.86 ± 0.42 g, highlighting the existence of variability exploitable through selection. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also recorded for fruit length, circumference, pericarp thickness, and seed dimensions). Heritability estimates were high for key traits such as pulp length (95.35 %), seed length (87.85 %), and pulp circumference (84.27 %), suggesting strong genetic control and good prospects for selection. The results highlighted the presence of substantial genetic variation in C. pachycarpa, 
particularly in traits associated with fruit yield and seed vigor. These findings provided a foundation for selection, breeding, and conservation of superior genotypes, and supported the integration of this species into fruit crop development programs