Author(s) :

Marie Zola Tuluenga, Jeannette Muisangie Luboya, Olivier Katalay, Théophane Makolo Ntalakwa, Eustache Ntango Kidikwadi, Félicien Luyeye Lukoki, Bernick Wembolowa Tshene, Anatole Kia Mayeko Kifuani, Honoré Katula Belesi.

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Abstract :

This study focused on domestication of two species of Zingiberaceae, Aframomum giganteum K. Schum and Aframomum melegueta K.Schum in Yangambi pedoclimatic conditions, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The fruits of these two species are edible and widely consumed by local populations. The biological material used in this study consisted of the vegetative and generative seeds of these two species. The soil was amended with ow dung. Plant growth was evaluated and ethnobotanical study was conducted. Ethnobotanical results show that both species are used by local populations for food and the treatment of diseases. The results obtained show that the two species have similar germination rates, 40.25% and 42.67% for A. gigateum and A. melegueta, respectively. Significantly higher survival rates were observed in Aframomum gigantism (83.78%) compared to Aframomum melegueta (10.34%). The average monthly diameter growth is 20.32 cm for the two species and the stem diameters at the base range from 2.02 to 6.92 cm. The integration of Zingiberaceae into permaculture systems can improve yields of food crops, as suggested by the results of the study. The sucess of in situ and ex situ cultivation of these two species is a promising solution for the sustainable of biodiverty.

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