Heterosis patterns and sources of self-compatibility, cross-compatibility and key nut traits within single and double hybrid crosses of kola [Cola nitida (Vent) Schott and Endl.].

Sexual incompatibility among kola genotypes accounted for over 50% yield loss. Compatible and high yielding varieties are in demand to develop commercial orchards. The objective of this study was to assess self-compatibility and cross-compatibility of kola (C. nitida) genotypes within self, single and double hybrid crosses and to determine heterosis pattern in the resulting hybrids for sexual compatibility and key nut yield and quality traits. Crosses among kola genotypes from three field gene banks (JX1, GX1, MX2) and one advanced germplasm (Bunso progeny) in Ghana were evaluated along their parents for sexual compatibility, nut yield and nut quality. Data were collected on pod set, pseudo-pod set, pod weight, number of nuts per pod, nut weight, brix, potential alcohol and nut firmness. Significant (P < 0.001) differential pod set was observed within Bunso progeny, JX1, GX1 and MX2 crosses; while pseudo-pod set differed only within JX1 and MX2 crosses (P < 0.001). Very large prevalence of mid-parent, heterobeltiosis, and economic heterosis was observed for sexual compatibility, outturn and brix for the single and double hybrid crosses. Heterosis was prominent among the double hybrid crosses as compared to the single hybrid crosses suggesting that recurrent selection of compatible varieties from advanced generations could result in genetic gain in kola improvement. The top five crosses with best heterosis for sexual compatibility and an appreciable positive heterosis for outturn and brix were B1/11 × B1/71 × B1/157 × B1/149, B1/11 × B1/71 × B1/296 × B1/177, GX1/46 × GX1/33 × B1/212 × B1/236, JX1/90 × JX1/51 and JX1/51 × JX1/36. These materials could serve as sources of beneficial alleles for improving Ghanaian kola hybrids and populations for yield and sexual compatibility.

Physiological and growth responses of cacao to glyphosate exposure.

Herbicide drift phytotoxicity is a problem in plantation crops due to application failures and unfavorable spray conditions. With the increased use of glyphosate in cacao plantations in Ghana, there are concerns about the effect on cacao growth and productivity from doses that potentially could be expected from drift. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological and growth response of young cacao plants exposed to glyphosate. Two field experiments were conducted in randomized blocks, with four replications. Glyphosate was applied at rates 0 to 720 g a.e. ha-1. Crop injury, shikimate accumulation, chlorophyll content, quantum efficiency of PSІІ (Fv/Fm), height, and stem diameter were evaluated. Increased glyphosate rates increased crop injury and shikimate accumulation and decreased chlorophyll content, quantum efficiency of PSІІ (Fv/Fm), and plant growth. Glyphosate rates 360 g a.e. ha-1 or higher resulted in >60% foliar injury and more than 10-fold increase in shikimate accumulation. Glyphosate reduced chlorophyll content to <10 and Fv/Fm to <0.35 at the highest rates. Glyphosate rates ≥180 g a.e. ha-1 reduced height and stem diameter of plants and caused reductions in stand count. Thus, cacao showed sensitivity to glyphosate, and severe injury impaired plant growth.

Effect of Cocoa Beverage and Dark Chocolate Consumption on Blood Pressure in Those with Normal and Elevated Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cocoa is a major dietary source of polyphenols, including flavanols, which have been associated with reduced blood pressure (BP). While earlier systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown significant effects of cocoa consumption on systolic BP, limitations include small sample sizes and study heterogeneity. Questions regarding food matrix and dose of polyphenols, flavanols, or epicatechins remain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of ≥2 weeks of cocoa consumption as a beverage or dark chocolate in those with normal or elevated (< or ≥130 mmHg) systolic BP measured in the fasted state or over 24-h. A systematic search conducted on PubMed and Cochrane Library databases up to 26 February 2022 yielded 31 suitable articles. Independent of baseline BP, cocoa consumption for ≥2 weeks was associated with reductions in systolic and diastolic BP (p < 0.05, all). Compared with cocoa, chocolate lowered the weighted mean of resting systolic BP (−3.94 mmHg, 95% CI [−5.71, −2.18]) more than cocoa beverage (−1.54 mmHg, 95% CI [−3.08, 0.01]). When the daily dose of flavanols was ≥900 mg or of epicatechin ≥100 mg, the effect was greater. Future, adequately powered studies are required to determine the optimal dose for a clinically significant effect.

Genetic variability of bioactive compounds and selection for nutraceutical quality in kola [Cola nitida (Vent) Schott. and Endl.].

Cola nitida known as Kola serves as flavouring ingredient in the food industry and is also of great importance during traditional rites in Africa. Despite the well-known pharmaceutical values of the species, efforts to develop improved varieties with enhanced nutraceutical quality is limited due to unavailability of information on variation of genotypes in bioactive compounds in the nuts. The objectives of this research were to evaluate 25 genotypes of kola for bioactive contents, determine relationship between nutritional and phenolic traits and to identify kola genotypes with good nutraceutical quality for use in developing improved varieties. The kola genotypes were established in the field using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Nuts harvested from the blocks, were bulked and used to quantify soluble and insoluble sugars, total protein, moisture, ash, fats, pH, polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids using completely randomized design with three replicates in the laboratory. Data were analysed by combining Analysis of Variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, correlation test and multivariate analysis. Significant variations (P < 0.05) were observed among the kola genotypes for the bioactive traits evaluated. Phenolic traits were more heritable than nutritional traits. Although not significant (P > 0.05), correlation between nutritional and phenolic traits was negative, whereas correlations among nutritional traits were weak. On the contrary, significant and positive correlations (P < 0.05) were observed among phenolic traits. The hierarchical clustering analysis based on the traits evaluated grouped the 25 genotypes of kola evaluated into four clusters. Genotypes A12, JB4, JB19, JB36, P2-1b, and P2-1c were identified as potential parental lines for phenolic traits selection in kola whereas genotypes A10, Club, Atta1 and JB10 can be considered for soluble and insoluble sugar-rich variety development. These findings represent an important step towards improving nutritional and nutraceutical quality of kola nuts.