Yield and physicochemical properties of Marula [Sclerocarya birrea] seed oils among nine international provenances tested in Malawi

The study was carried out to assess the yield and physicochemical properties of seed oils among nine international provenances of Sclecorya birrea (subspecies caffra and birrea) planted in Malawi. Seed oils were obtained using Soxhlet extraction method while quality parameters were determined using procedures outlined by the Malawi Bureau of Standards. Oil yield was greatest (52.2 %) in subspecies birrea. Oil moisture content, free fatty acid, acid value and peroxide value ranged from 0.06 to 076 %; 1.96 to 4.07 %; 3.91 to 8.13 mg KOH/g and 1.84 to 5.15 meq KOH/g, respectively. Variations in oil yield and physicochemical properties could be attributed to genetic differences and origin of genotypes. The selection of S. birrea for oil production and use should be based on both provenance and subspecies levels. Further studies should examine the heritability of the oil content and its physicochemical properties prior to the use of seed for propagation. Key words: Acid value, free fatty acid, oil yield, peroxide value, seed oil, Sclecorya birrea