Mapping the characterization landscape of Colocasia esculenta (L.) in Africa: gaps, trends, and priorities - a systematic review with meta-analysis

Résumé

Taro ( Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) is a vegetatively propagated root crop of major importance for food security in Africa. Despite this, no continental synthesis has integrated its agromorphological, biochemical, and molecular characterization findings. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to (i) compile all studies characterizing Colocasia esculenta in Africa between 2010 and 2026, (ii) estimate pooled genetic diversity through random-effects meta-analyses, and (iii) identify key research gaps. The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines, with the protocol prospectively registered on the Open Science Framework (osf.io/5s9py; DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/5S9PY). Five electronic databases were searched for English-language articles published between January 2010 and April 2026. Screening was performed by two independent reviewers using Rayyan in blind mode (Cohen’s kappa = 0.84). Methodological quality was assessed using an ad hoc scoring tool adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed on expected heterozygosity (He), polymorphism information content (PIC), and number of alleles per locus (Na), with marker-stratified analyses (SSR vs SNP/GBS) as primary analyses and meta-regression for four moderators. Of 222 records identified, 64 studies were included (44 original articles and 20 reviews). The geographic distribution was uneven, with Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ethiopia accounting for 86% of original studies, while Central and North Africa were essentially unrepresented. The methodological landscape shifted toward SSR (58.8%) and SNP/GBS (29.4%) markers recently. Pooled estimates were He = 0.40 (95% CI: 0.32-0.48; 95% PI: 0.08-0.72; k = 12), PIC = 0.46 (95% CI: 0.38-0.55; 95% PI: 0.18-0.75; k = 10), and Na = 3.72 (95% CI: 3.13-4.30; 95% PI: 1.63-5.81; k = 10). The wide prediction intervals should be considered the primary reference range for future studies, and marker-stratified estimates are preferred over overall pooled values for cross-study comparisons. Between-study heterogeneity was high (I 2 > 89%) and the English-only restriction may have led to the underrepresentation of francophone African studies. African taro harbors moderate genetic diversity, yet the literature is geographically skewed, biochemical characterization is underrepresented, and no studies integrate all three dimensions. Future research should prioritize collection in underrepresented regions, multi-dimensional characterization, SNP-based genotyping, and core collection development. Systematic review registration: https://osf.io/5s9py/ , identifier 10.17605/OSF.IO/5S9PY.

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