Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Cola Acuminata and Cola Nitida

Cola species constitute an important non–timber forest product. Besides the food value, Cola is rich in numerous phytochemicals, making it more important for its use in African traditional medicine and potentials in industrial pharmacopoeia. Knowledge about genetic diversity is essential for conservation. In this book, the author examined genetic variability of Cola acuminata and Cola nitida germplasm across the Cola – producing states (the rain forest and derived savannah zones) in Nigeria using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The findings in the book revealed the genetic structure of both species and conservation strategies are suggested.