Inter simple sequence repeat markers to assess genetic diversity of the desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca Del.) for Sahelian ecosystem restoration.

Drought and desertification are the major environmental constraints facing the Sahelian agro-ecosystems for decades. Assessing genetic diversity of native tree species is critical to assist ecosystems restoration efforts. Here we describe genetic diversity and structure of seven Balanites aegyptiaca L.

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant Activity and Ethnobotanical Uses of (L.) Del. Fruits from the Arid Zone of Mauritania, Northwest Africa.

Phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of fruits of 30 trees naturally growing in the hyper-arid and arid zones in Mauritania were evaluated by following standard procedures. Ethnobotanical uses of fruit pulps and kernel were assessed using a structured questionnaire. fruit pulp is a good source of sugars (33 g/100 g dry matter (DM)), polyphenols (264 mg GAE/100 g DM) and flavonoids (34.