Phenotypic and Agronomic Characterization of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Accessions in Three Agroclimatic Zones of Côte d'Ivoire
Aya Kan Marie Louise Kouamé *
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Peleforo GON COULIBALY University, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire.
Laopé Ambroise Casimir Siéné
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Peleforo GON COULIBALY University, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire.
Niang Belko Marème
Senegalese Institute of Agricultural Research-Regional Study Center for Improving Adaptation to Drought (ISRA-CERAAS) / Thiès Escale BP 3320, Senegal.
Issa Zaki Koné
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Peleforo GON COULIBALY University, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire.
Tâh Valentin Félix N’Guettia
Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Peleforo GON COULIBALY University, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Context: In Côte d'Ivoire, sesame currently contributes to diversifying household incomes, particularly in the north. However, the lack of high-quality seeds adapted to the growing areas prevents the efficient exploitation of its agronomic potential.
Aims: To identify accessions with high production potential.
Study Design: Seventeen accessions collected in Côte d'Ivoire and five from Senegal were evaluated using a randomized complete block experimental design.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the localities of Korhogo, Diawala, and Touba during the rainy seasons of the years 2022 and 2023.
Methodology: Observations and measurements focused on agro-morphological parameters. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed using R software.
Results: The results of the study revealed significant diversity in agro-morphological parameters between accessions. Principal component analysis and ascending hierarchical classification identified three agro-morphological groups. One group was characterized by late maturity (100 to 107 days), tall plants (154.39 to 206.08 cm) with a large number of branches (between 13 and 25 branches) and high seeds yield (1336.26 kg/ha in Diawala; 577.17 kg/ha in Korhogo and 542.57 kg/ha in Touba). One group with an early cycle (82 to 86 days), low vegetative development, and low yield (424.47 kg/ha in Korhogo; 445 kg/ha in Touba and 1211.04 kg/ha in Diawala). And an intermediate group with a development cycle of between 87 and 99 days and moderate yield (543.72 kg/ha in Korhogo; 1,090.84 kg/ha in Touba and 1,256.99 kg/ha in Diawala). Discriminant factor analysis showed that most of the measured characteristics, except for the number of seeds per pod, allow for discrimination between the groups formed.
Conclusion: The various groups of high-yielding accessions with good agronomic and morphological performance identified by locality could be offered to producers as accessions suited to those localities.
Keywords: Sesame accessions, agro-morphological, yield, agroclimatic zones, genetic diversity