Studies on Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) fruits storage and different preservation technologies for domestication

Abstract

In order to prevent a Shea seed from germination when stored, a preservation technology was adopted using different polythene bags which include a white transparent polythene bag of 500 mm gauge, big size perforated brown envelope, and black polythene bags of 500 mm guage. The results revealed that the Shea seeds preserved in the white transparent polythene bags retained their viability for six months which can then be used by experienced/professional domesticators for nursery establishment. With the result obtained from this study, the viable Shea seeds would be available all year round for domesticators. Therefore, the problem of seasonality in Shea seed availability is solved. However, Shea seed domesticators are encouraged to use the successful method of preservation to ensure availability of viable seeds across the yearly seasons.   Key words: Shea seeds, preservation, technology, polythene bag, domestication.