Regeneration of threatened indigenous fruit species in Uganda, the case of Parinari curatellifolia

Abstract: Indigenous wild fruits and, or underutilised plant species are of high importance for nutrition, beverages, and pharmaceuticals values. They provide invaluable benefits to the entire biosphere: including but not limited to climate regulation in terms of rainfall cycle, oxygen supply and carbon sequestration, and provide fodder to both wild and domestic animal herds. The Mobola plum tree, Parinari curatellifolia Benth. is one such under-utilised species that serves as a key source of household income particularly in rural areas in Uganda. It has versatile usages ranging from medicinal herbs with large food dietary values to the intensive sale of charcoal and wood fuel in urban centres, and construction materials for human settlement. The study objective was to investigate P. curatellifolia’s seed germination to improve its conservation and sustainable utilisation in Uganda. The current research study focused on two major areas of P. curatellifolia regeneration: (1) regeneration in nature, (2) regeneration under laboratory conditions of (a) seed (sexual) regeneration and (b) cuttings (vegetative) regeneration and (c) direct sowing. Previously published results also confirmed difficulties in germinating P. curatellifolia seeds. Hence the need to undertake this research study aimed at understanding best ways to regenerate the species both in nature and laboratory-based conditions. However germination results were not obtained during the study time. Therefore efforts towards species’ regeneration in Uganda, require every exertion and support to succeed. To complement nature conservation research, plant genetic resources and biodiversity management. That supports other indicative mechanisms such as the Global Plan of Action to ensure food security, availability and sustainable utilisation of our natural resources.