Soulémane, N., N’Danikou, S., Tchokponhoué, D.A. et al. Production, domestication and genetic improvement of Vitex doniana Sweet: an overview. Genet Resour Crop Evol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-024-02012-4
Black plum (Vitex doniana Sweet) is a sub-Saharan African wild species of the family Lami aceae that signifcantly contribute to improving local communities’ livelihoods, especially in women. It generated an average income of US$D 80 during the vegetable harvesting season, per individual seller. This species has numerous applications for not only rural dwellers, but also for those in urban areas where it is used for food, healthcare and arts. However, the plant is overexploited by users of this multipurpose species. Among the threatening factors are bushfres and the low natural regeneration due to poor seed germina tion caused by seed dormancy. This overexploitation will induce the depletion and disappearance of the species in its natural habitat, thus causing an eco logical imbalance and genetic erosion. The conserva tion of this species must therefore be done through its preservation in the natural environment, produc tion, domestication and awareness of the populations. In this work, we review the existing literature on the species, focusing on geographic distribution, utilisa tion and threats to natural populations, propagation and agronomy, national and international trade, con servation of genetic resources, prospects for domes tication and commercial production, and methods for genetic improvement. The fndings provide an over view to guide the development of strategies for genetic resource conservation, domestication, commercial production, and genetic improvement to meet the increasing demand for this resource.
Keywords Vitex doniana · Orphan species · Traditional vegetables · Domestication · Breeding