Spatial Distribution, Ex-situ Conservation Priorities and Status of

Collection and Conservation of Genetic Resources of Kola (Cola

nitida (Vent.) Schott and Endl.) in Ghana
1
Nyadanu, D., 1Akpertey, A., 1Dadzie, A.M, 1Pobee, P., 1Lowor, S.T., 1Asirifi, I.D., 1Brako-
Marfo, M., Tetteh, P.S. and 1Dankwa, N.
1
Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P. O. Box 8, Akim Tafo, Ghana
Abstract

Kola (Cola nitida (Vent.) Schott & Endl.) is a member of the family malvaceae and the center
of diversity of the genus Cola is West Africa. Kola is used in production of food beverages,
generation of income and it has several medicinal uses in the pharmaceutical industries. The
crop is of great significance during traditional rites and the nut is offered to visitors as a mark
of acceptance or welcome to a family or gatherings. Kola even though commonly cultivated,
is still in incipient stages of domestication with their genetic resources principally present in
situ, i.e. on farm in home gardens or orchards or in natural populations. Available genetic
resources are increasingly vulnerable to losses of genetic diversity, referred to as genetic
erosion, due to decreased population sizes resulting from land use changes and due to changes
in local climate that may select against some genotypes. There is therefore a need to conserve
genetic resources of kola in Ghana. The formulation of effective and efficient conservation
strategies requires a thorough understanding of spatial patterns of genetic diversity and
distribution of genetic resources. The objective of this research was to map distribution and to
ascertain status of collection and conservation of kola (Cola nitida) in Ghana. Mapping of kola
(Cola nitida) was carried out in the Volta, Eastern, Central, Ashanti and Western regions of
Ghana using the GPS machine to take the coordinates. The application of GIS allowed
visualization and better understanding of spatial distribution of kola in Ghana. The distribution
suggest that kola is spatially distributed in all cocoa growing districts of Ghana. Cola nitida is
intercropped with cocoa and acted as permanent shade trees in cocoa farms in these areas.
Areas of high diversity of genetic resources of kola nitida which could be priority areas for in
situ conservation were identified. The current knowledge and understanding of distribution of
kola resources in Ghana is helping to collect new germplasm to broaden the genetic base of
existing kola gene bank in Ghana and improve completeness of germplasm collections. Fifty
five (55) new accessions were collected, successfully grafted and conserved. This in addition
to already 170 existing accessions (MX2 (32), Ampeyo collection (13), W/C (15) and JX1
(110) give a total of 225 accessions of kola collected and conserved at the Cocoa Research
Institute of Ghana (CRIG). The diversity of these kola resources could offer yet-unknown
traits of high economic value for further domestication and development of improved varieties.

Key words: Conservation, Collection, CRIG, Cola nitida, Diversity, Genetic Resources,
Germplasm, Genetic erosion, Ghana, Kola, Spatial distribution
Introduction
Kola is an important tree crop of the family malvaceae and sub-family sterculaceae. The genus
Cola comprises of about 140 species (Onomo et al., 2006). The most commonly used species
are Cola nitida [(Vent.) Schott and Edlicher], Cola acuminate [(Pal de. Beuav) Schott and
Edlicher] and Cola anomala (Schott and Endlicher). C. nitida, characterized by nuts of two
cotyledons, is however of much greater commercial importance as the seeds are in higher
demand locally and for export. It was originally distributed along the west coast of Africa from
Sierra Leone to Benin Republic (Opeke, 2005) with the highest frequency and variability in
the forest areas of Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana. These areas are now adjudged the centre of origin
of C. nitida (Adenuga et al., 2012).
Kola nuts are chewed to dispel sleep, thirst, hunger and fatigue. The nut contains active
ingredients such as caffeine (2-3%) and smaller amounts of theobromin and kolatin a phenolic
substance. The nuts also contain 10% protein, 1.35% fats and 45% starch (Van Eijnatten, 1969).
It is also an important source of Vitamin A, C, Calcium, iron and a number of essential amino
acids ( Ref). Kola nuts are widely praised for their excellent organoleptic characteristics and
considered to have a high potential for commercial production and income generation for both
small and larger-scale producers in tropical climates (Ref ). Kola is useful in the pharmaceutical
industries and are used to produce cardiac stimulants, laxatives, sedatives and sodas (Egbe and
Oladokun, 1987). Extracts from the nuts, roots, leaves and bark are traditionally prepared into
medicine to cure various ailments. In addition to human consumption of nuts for nutrition and
medicinal purpose, the crop is utilized for fuel, traditional rites and as dyes. A gift of kola
among many cultural divides, especially white kola, means peace, friendship and sympathy.
Offering kola is an important show of hospitality. Kola is also an important economic crop as
it serves as a guaranteed source of income for farmers. Due to increasing commercial prices
for kola at local markets, Ghanaian farmers are stimulated to conserve in situ the kola trees
growing in their backyards and cocoa farms. Indeed, kola trees established as permanent shade
trees in cocoa farms are common throughout West Africa (Ref…..). When the cocoa season is
gone, farmers depend on kola for sustenance and resilience of their livelihoods. The crop bears
throughout the year. When used as a permanent shade crop in cocoa farmers, it helps to improve
resilience of livelihoods of farmers (Ref…). Kola therefore will continue to play a significant
role as an important economic crop for internal and regional trade and an increasingly
important role in foreign trade (Ref Adenuga et al., 2012…..). At present commercial
production is found in West and Central Africa, with around???? ha of plantations while small-
scale cultivation occurs throughout the Caribbean …….. (Ref ..).
Despite the importance of kola, the full potential of kola is far from realized, with particularly
large yield gaps due to a range of production, biotic and abiotic constraints especially
incompatibility, kola weevil as well as susceptibility to drought during seedling establishment
(Ref). The concealed feeding behaviour, oviposition and larval development of the weevils in
the pods and nuts make their control very difficult, necessitating the development of improved
management options, in particular via enhanced genetic resistance.
Plant genetic resources are increasingly being recognized for their potential to contribute
valuable traits to breeding programs (Feuillet et al., 2008; Guarino and Lobell 2011;
Dempewolf et al., 2014). Plant genetic resources represent the biological foundation for
maintaining and improving crop productivity having played a central role in crop development
from antiquity (Porter et al., 2014). Yet despite considerable efforts to collect kola germplasm
or genetic resources in Ghana (Abdul-Karimu et al., 2004), systematic approaches to ensure
comprehensive collection and conservation of kola, remain underdeveloped. Uncertainty with
regard to species distribution, the limited availability of germplasm with which to perform
crosses has constrained crop improvement efforts.
Targeted collecting for ex-situ conservation has become a priority as rapid changes in both
climate and land use patterns increasingly threaten genetic resources of kola in their natural
habitats (Jarvis et al., 2008; McCouch et al., 2003). This Neotropical tree species is still in its
initial stages of domestication and is considered at high risk of losing valuable genetic material
from its genepool (Cheek, 2004). Kola is still in incipient stages of domestication with their
genetic resources often principally or exclusively, present in situ, that is, on farm in home
gardens or orchards and or in natural populations. The local diversity of kola species could
offer yet-unknown traits of high value to further domestication (Raebild et al., 2011). The
genetic diversity is important to sustain local production. Diversity is also a key factor for
adaptation to environmental changes (Dawson et al., 2009). However kola species are
increasingly vulnerable to genetic erosion due to decreased population sizes resulting from land
use changes and land degradation and due to changes in local climate that may select against
some genotypes (Dawson et al., 2011). There is a growing call to assess the conservation status
of the genetic resources of tree species (Palberg-Lerche, 2008). The formulation of effective
and efficient conservation strategies requires a thorough understanding of spatial patterns of
genetic diversity (Petit et al., 1998). A better knowledge of areas of high genetic diversity is
also important in optimizing the use of genetic resources, as the likelihood to find interesting
materials for breeding is higher where levels of genetic diversity are maximal (Frankel et al.,
1995; Tanksley and McCouch, 1997).
Geographic information systems (GIS) provide opportunities to carry out spatial analyses of
genetic diversity patterns and can be used to interpolate genetic parameters between sampled
populations (Degen and Scholz 1998; Hanotte et al., 2002). GIS are also an acknowledged tool
to prioritize areas for conservation of plant genetic resources (Guarino et al., 2002). Results
obtained using GIS can be presented in a clear way on maps, which facilitates the incorporation
of its findings into the formulation of conservation strategies and the implementation of
conservation measures (Javis et al., 2010).
The objectives of this study was to (1) Apply spatial analysis to improve understanding of the
geographic distribution of C. nitida genetic resources in Ghana. (2) Formulate optimal
conservation strategies by prioritizing areas for in situ conservation and identify existing gaps
in ex-situ collections. (3) Ascertain status of ex-situ collection of germplasm of C. nitida in
Ghana.

Materials and Methods

Mapping areas of genetic resources of kola in Ghana
In an attempt to locate genetic resources of kola in Ghana, trips were undertaken to kola
growing areas in Ghana. In each town or village, buyers were contacted. The buyers then
provided the names of towns and farmers from whom they buy kola produce. The agricultural
extension officers in the towns were also contacted for information on sources of kola in the
area. The names, addresses and contacts of farmers, buyers and extension officers were
recorded. With the aid of GPS device, the georeference; longitudes, latitudes and elevations of
towns and villages of kola genetic resources were recorded. The georeferences were used to
map the towns and villages for germplasm collection.

Collection of kola germplasm

The towns and villages identified through the mapping exercise were earmarked for kola
germplasm collection. Kola germplasm collecting missions were undertaken to the mapped
towns and villages in the Volta and Eastern regions of Ghana. Budwoods of kola trees were
collected in a participatory manner with farmers. A GPS device was used to determine the
georeference of the collecting sites. ---- number of accessions of kola were collected per
province ( ref). A distance of … meters was considered in collecting the materials in the same
field (…).
Existing kola germplasm collected
Data on stands of collected germplasm of kola in the field were recorded. Data on the number
planted and number surviving were recorded.

Data analysis
Data on the georeference of towns and villages in Ghana that contain genetic resources of kola
were interpolated into the map of Ghana using …….software to understand spatial distribution
of kola resources in Ghana. Percentages of surviving accessions of kola in the field were
determined. Also,
Results

Discussions

Conclusions

Acknowledgements

Conflict of interest

References
Figure 1. Spatial distribution of genetic resources of C. nitida in Ghana
Table 1. MX2 …..

Genotype Place of Collection Region Number planted Number surviving

JB 32 Juaben Ashanti

JB 34 Juaben Ashanti

J26 Juaben Ashanti

J17 Juaben Ashanti

J4 Juaben Ashanti

J27 Juaben Ashanti

J22 Juaben Ashanti

J15 Juaben Ashanti

J36 Juaben Ashanti

J9 Juaben Ashanti

J19 Juaben Ashanti

AT1 Tafo Eastern

AT2 Tafo Eastern

W25 - -

P2-1A - -
P2-1B - -

P2-1C - -

AT3 Tafo Eastern

J1 Juaben Ashanti

J10 Juaben Ashanti

A22 Asikam Eastern

A2 Asikam Eastern

J20 Juaben Ashanti

J37 Juaben Ashanti

A26 Asikam Eastern

A1 Asikam Eastern

A10 Asikam Eastern

A8 Asikam Eastern

A12 Asikam Eastern

J35 Juaben Ashanti

J40 Juaben Ashanti

J3 Juaben Ashanti
BINTUKU - -
Table 2 Ampeyo collection

Genotype Town Region number planted number surviving

AMAM Ampeyo

AMAP AMPEYO

AMGK I AMPEYO

AMGK II AMPEYO

AMGK III AMPEYO

AMKA I AMPEYO

AMKA II AMPEYO

AMKO AMPEYO

AMOO I AMPEYO

AMOO II AMPEYO

AMSA I AMPEYO

AMSA IV AMPEYO

AMSA II AMPEYO
Table 3.

Genotype Town of collection Region Number planted Number surviving

BM NO.1 Mireku krom Central 10

BM NO.2 Mireku krom Central 9

BM NO.3 Mireku krom Central 2

BM NO.4 Mireku krom Central 10

EG NO. 1 JY Hemang Central 6

EG NO. 2 JY Hemang Central 5

KM NO.2 Mireku Krom Central 7

YK NO.1 Twifo-Damang Central 4

AK NO. 1 Mensah Kroa Hemang Western 8

KA NO.1 Abotsi Kroa Hemang Western 9

KA NO.2 Abotsi Kroa Hemang Western 9

WN NO.1 Wassa/Jukwa Western 8

YA NO.1 Jukwa Western 2

YA NO.2 Jukwa Western 9

YA NO.3 Jukwa Western 9

Table JX1

Genotype Town Region Number planted Number surviving

Table …. Surviving plants in plots B1 and B2, Bunso planted in June 1968

Accession Town of collection Region Number planted Number surviving

Bunso white Bunso Eastern

Kade pink Kade Eastern
Kade red Kade Eastern
Kumasi white Kumasi Ashanti
Laboche white Laboche Nigeria
Noyem white Noyem -
Table New collections

Genotype Town Region Latitude Longitude Elevation Source No. grafted Successful graft %Success

CRIG/AG/01 Agate Volta N06 43.8700 E000’ 20.816 1770 Backyard 15 8

CRIG/AG/02 Agate Volta N06 42.6740 E000’20.951 1690 Backyard 28 20

CRIG/AG/03 Agate Volta N06 44.3720 E000’21.098 2010 Backyard 26 15

CRIG/AKA/01 Akaa Volta N07 24.6590 E000’23.593 1300 Farm 15 8

CRIG/AKA/02 Akaa Volta N07 24.7530 E000’23.687 1310 Farm 12 4

CRIG/AKA/03 Akaa Volta N07 24.6370 E000’23.598 1340 Farm 12 6

CRIG/AKA/04 Akaa Volta N07 24.6780 E000’23.625 1500 Farm 11 4

CRIG/JAS/01 Jasikan Volta N07 26.8060 E000’28.079 2030 Farm 22 10

CRIG/OYO/01 Oyoko Eastern N060 08.405 W000’18.260 1970 Farm 21 10

CRIG/OYO/02 Oyoko Eastern N06 08.404 W000’18.257 1990 Farm 13 2

CRIG/OYO/03 Oyoko Eastern N06 08.434 W000’18.266 2000 Farm 10 3

CRIG/OYO/04 Oyoko Eastern N06 08.498 W000’18.071 2000 Farm 19 10

CRIG/OYO/05 Oyoko Eastern N06 08.364 W000’18.305 2000 Farm 17 11

CRIG/OYO/06 Oyoko Eastern N06 08.575 W000’17.695 192 Backyard 22 6

CRIG/OYO/07 Oyoko Eastern N06 09.044 W000’17.115 163 Farm 11 5

CRIG/OYO/08 Oyoko Eastern N06 09.044 W000’17.060 211 Backyard 13 2

CRIG/OYO/09 Oyoko Eastern N06 08.515 W000’18.074 193 Farm 10 4

CRIG/JEJ/01 Jejeti-Asuoso Eastern N06 28.662 W000’39.497 200 Backyard 32 22

CRIG/JEJ/02 Jejeti-Asuoso Eastern N06 28.662 W000’39.501 197 Backyard 50 40

CRIG/ASR/01 Asuboni-Rails Eastern N06 28.188 W000’43.110 197 Farm 15 8

CRIG/ASR/02 Asuboni-Rails Eastern N06 28.036 W000’44.216 199 Farm 13 6

CRIG/ASR/03 Asuboni-Rails Eastern N06 28.033 W000’44.200 199 Farm 25 18

CRIG/ASR/04 Asuboni-Rails Eastern N06 28.031 W000’44’145 200 Farm 18 6

CRIG/ASR/05 Asuboni-Rails Eastern N06 28.047 W000’44’140 200 Farm 15 6

CRIG/ASR/06 Asuboni-Rails Eastern Farm 10 2

CRIG/ASR/07 Asuboni-Rails Eastern Farm 11 5

CRIG/ASR/08 Asuboni-Rails Eastern Farm 13 5

CRIG/OAK/01 Ohene Akuraa Eastern N06 29.237 W000’ 43.032 190 Backyard 42 31

CRIG/OAK/02 Ohene Akuraa Eastern N06 29.197 W000’ 43.110 187 Backyard 45 23

CRIG/SAF/01 Saafi Eastern N06 35.066 W000’ 49.676 257 Farm 18 6

CRIG/SAF/02 Saafi Eastern N06 35.079 W000’49.665 265 Farm 20 6

CRIG/SAF/03 Saafi Eastern N06 35.083 W000’49.666 254 Farm 22 8

CRIG/SAF/04 Saafi Eastern N06 35.042 W000’49.408 261 Farm 30 11

CRIG/SAF/05 Saafi Eastern N06 35’049 W000’49.446 258 Farm 26 12

CRIG/SAF/06 Saafi Eastern N06 35.061 W000’49.437 255 Farm 21 5

CRIG/SAF/07 Saafi Eastern N06 35.072 W000’49.663 249 Farm 15 3

CRIG/SAF/08 Saafi Eastern N06 35.146 W000’ 49.459 295 Farm 40 22

CRIG/SAF/09 Saafi Eastern N06 35.151 W000’ 49.464 238 Farm 25 10

CRIG/SAF/10 Saafi Eastern N06 35.186 W000’49.476 264 Farm 16 4

CRIG/KPSO/01 Kwahu Praso Eastern N06 38.467 W000’53.967 249 Farm 21 12

CRIG/KPSO/02 Kwahu Praso Eastern N 06 38.489 W000’53.968 239 Farm 27 19

CRIG/KPSO/03 Kwahu Praso Eastern N06 38.529 W000’53.987 198 Farm 25 13

CRIG/KPSO/04 Kwahu Praso Eastern N06 38.539 W000’53.987 227 Farm 28 17

CRIG/KPSO/05 Kwahu Praso Eastern N06 38.496 W000’55.949 241 Farm 16 11

CRIG/KPSO/06 Kwahu Praso Eastern N06 38.474 W000’55.953 234 Farm 7 1

CRIG/KPSO/07 Kwahu Praso Eastern N06 37.128 W000’54.446 221 Farm 18 7

CRIG/KPSO/08 Kwahu Praso Eastern N06 37.128 W000’54.456 220 Farm 14 2

CRIG/KPSO/09 Kwahu Praso Eastern N06 37.123 W000’54.156 224 Farm 21 14

CRIG/ASMA/01 Asikuma Eastern N06 37.435 W000’53.828 212 Farm 13 3

CRIG/ASMA/02 Asikuma Eastern N06 37.227 W000’53.741 237 Farm 19 7

CRIG/ASMA/03 Asikuma Eastern N06 37.214 W000’53.680 227 Farm 11 1

CRIG/ASMA/04 Asikuma Eastern N06 37.151 W000’53.565 231 Farm 13 3

CRIG/ASMA/05 Asikuma Eastern N06 37.139 W000’ 53.490 222 Farm 10 3

CRIG/ASMA/06 Asikuma Eastern N06 37.142 W000’53.500 223 Farm 8 1

CRIG/ASMA/07 Asikuma Eastern N06 37.180 W000’54.101 219 Farm 17 1

CRIG/ASMA/08 Asikuma Eastern N06 37.181 W000’54.102 218 Farm 12 5

CRIG/WFRI/01 Wayeaferi Eastern N06 05’35.2 W000’57.403 166 Farm 16 3

CRIG/WFRI/02 Wayeaferi Eastern N06 05’352 W000’57.476 168 Farm 23 11

CRIG/WFRI/03 Wayeaferi Eastern N06 05’070 W000’57.117 170 Farm 12 4

CRIG/KMOA/01 Kwabena Amoah Eastern N06 05’49.7 W000’57.108 160 Farm 27 7

CRIG/KMOA/02 Kwabena Amoah Eastern N06 05’51.8 W000’57.082 152 Farm 14 2