Growing conditions and morphotypes of African palm weevil (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) larvae influence their lipophilic nutrient but not their amino acid compositions

African palm weevil (Rhynchophorus phoenicis, Rp) larvae are a potential source of lipids and proteins of good quality for human consumption. To evaluate the influence of growing conditions on nutrient composition of larvae grown on different raffia palms, larvae (3 larvae batches per condition) were collected from the wild (yellow wild or white wild larvae) or from a breeding system (white larvae). Growing conditions influenced the morphometric parameters of the larvae and their lipid content and composition. As highlighted by principal component analysis, wild larvae exhibited greater morphometric parameters (weight, length) and higher energy, lipid, carotenoid and total fatty acid contents than larvae from breeding system. As compared to white larvae, yellow larvae contained more energy and more lipids (27.7 +/- 2.3 g/100 g fresh weight vs around 19.8 g/100 g), less polyunsaturated fatty acids (0.5 +/- 0.1 g/100 g vs 0.8 g/100 g) and tocopherols (2.25 +/- 0.23 mg/100 g vs around 4.5 mg/100 g), and, explaining their color, more carotenoids (800 pg/100 g vs 280-390 pg/100 g). Rp larvae contained from 7.8 +/- 0.3 (white wild) to 8.8 +/- 0.9 (yellow wild) g/100 g proteins and high levels of indispensable amino acids, with no effect of growing conditions. Their nitrogen to protein conversion factors varied from 6.08 +/- 0.3 (white wild) to 7.42 +/- 0.4 (yellow wild), This work gives a new and reliable insight on nutrient content variations in palm weevil larva

Use and Cultural Significance of Raphia Palms

International audienceThe genus Raphia (Palmae / Arecaceae) contains 22 species and represents a major multiuse resource across tropical Africa and Madagascar. Raphia species provide goods that range from food to construction material and medicine. Its species play a vital cultural role in African societies. Despite its importance, the taxonomy, ecology, and ethnobotany of this genus remain poorly understood. Here, we review the multiplicity of uses, products and cultural importance of Raphia species across its distribution. We provide a near exhaustive list of all products derived from Raphia species, classified by species and major use categories. We record nearly 100 different uses, traded and commercialized at local, regional, and national levels. Most species have several uses. Raphia wine is the most important product, followed by grubs and fiber extraction. Our review improves our understanding of the uses and cultural importance of Raphia species. If Raphia resources are managed responsibly, they will contribute to alleviate poverty, fight against hunger and conserve tropical biodiversity, especially in Africa.Le genre Raphia (Palmae / Arecaceae) comprend 22 espèces et représente une ressource multi-usage majeure en Afrique tropicale et Madagascar. Les espèces de Raphia fournissent des produits allant des aliments aux matériaux de construction, en passant par les médicaments. Ses espèces jouent un rôle culturel vital dans les sociétés africaines. Malgré son importance, la taxonomie, l’écologie et l’ethnobotanique de ce genre restent mal comprises. Nous examinons ici la multiplicité des usages des produits et de l’importance culturelle des espèces de Raphia dans toute leur distribution. Nous fournissons une liste presque exhaustive de tous les produits dérivés des espèces de Raphia, classés par espèce et par principales catégories d’utilization. Nous enregistrons près de 100 utilisations différentes, commercialisées au niveau local, régional et national. La plupart des espèces ont plusieurs utilisations. Le vin de Raphia est le produit le plus important, suivi de l’extraction des vers et de la fibre. Notre revue améliore la compréhension des utilisations et de l’importance culturelle des espèces de Raphia. Si les ressources de Raphia sont gérées de manière responsable, elles contribueront à réduire la pauvreté, à lutter contre la faim et à préserver la biodiversité tropicale, en particulier en Afrique

Use and cultural significance of Raphia palms

The genus Raphia (Palmae / Arecaceae) contains 22 species and represents a major multiuse resource across tropical Africa and Madagascar. Raphia species provide goods that range from food to construction material and medicine. Its species play a vital cultural role in African societies. Despite its importance, the taxonomy, ecology, and ethnobotany of this genus remain poorly understood. Here, we review the multiplicity of uses, products and cultural importance of Raphia species across its distribution. We provide a near exhaustive list of all products derived from Raphia species, classified by species and major use categories. We record nearly 100 different uses, traded and commercialized at local, regional, and national levels. Most species have several uses. Raphia wine is the most important product, followed by grubs and fiber extraction. Our review improves our understanding of the uses and cultural importance of Raphia species. If Raphia resources are managed responsibly, they will contribute to alleviate poverty, fight against hunger and conserve tropical biodiversity, especially in Africa