Yam is an important food crop in Côte d'Ivoire. Nevertheless, its production is facing many constraints including the inability to distinguish cultivated varieties from one another. Thus, different varieties and species are designated by the same names from one region to the other and vice versa, the same varieties are called differently. The absence of major descriptors, which are easy to use is the main cause of this confusion. The objective of this study is to propose agro-morphological descriptors easy to identify, for a better determination of yam varieties of D. alata. A total of 91 accessions of yam of D. alata species were used. These accessions were observed using morphological parameter. Eight simple agro-morphological descriptors which are easy to describe were identified as major dichotomous keys for the determination of the D. alata species. These characters have been selected based on the discrimination they permit to operate. Using them, four varietal groups were formed: Pyramid, Douoblé, Brazo and Bêtê-Bêtê.

The sweetpotato is the seventh most important crop in the world after wheat, rice, maize, potato, barley and cassava. It is produced annually in all regions of Côte d'Ivoire. Sweetpotato plays a role in food security and income generation for rural populations. However, the crop is facing the challenges of climate change leading to a decline in yields of local cultivars. This phenomenon leads to unproductive soils and the abandonment of many crops, including sweetpotato. To address this problem, 15 sweetpotato genotypes from the CNRA and from farmers were evaluated in two agro-ecological zones on the basis of agronomic parameters. Descriptive analysis of the data showed a variation in the agronomic performance of the genotypes from one zone to another. Thus, in Kounontonvogo, yields varied from 3.81 to 30.41 t/ha. The genotypes Irene, CIP-199062-1, TIB-440060 and Fatoni 2 had the best agronomic performance. On the other hand, at CNRA Station, the cultivar Sanfo figui 1 showed a better yield. While at Attrokro, the Irene genotype had the highest yield with lower susceptibility to weevils. Local genotypes such as Aleda ouffouet, Sanfo figui 1 and Sanfo figui 2 had the highest DM content.

BackgroundIn an environment where the adoption of improved varieties resulting from plant breeding programs is limited, it is essential to identify end‐user preferences beforehand. A participatory survey was conducted in eight localities in Korhogo and Bouake regions, (central and northern Cote d'Ivoire, respectively) to identify producers' preferences and increase the adoption of improved varieties. The study involved 160 producers and consumers through focus group discussions and individual interviews.ResultsSweetpotato is mostly grown on small plots (<1ha) of land (89.2%) with women (66%) as the main producers. In the Bouake region, sweetpotatoes are grown on mounds (100%), while in Korhogo they are grown on ridges (86.2%). The main food products or forms of preparation from roots are fries (34.7%), boiled (34.3%), mashed (12.4%) and sweetpotato stew (9.1%). Major constraints, including low price of roots (26.3%), low productivity (16.2%), and post‐harvest storage issues (14.5%), were identified as affecting sweetpotato production.ConclusionsThe selection of new varieties should be oriented towards high‐yielding varieties with high dry matter content; deployed stems; and roots of round, oblong or elliptical shape with good culinary characteristics (dry matter, sweet taste, dry texture, absence of fibre). Plants must be drought resistant, tolerant to poor soil, to diseases and pests with a good yield. The color of skin and flesh of the sweetpotato, although constituting criteria of choice, are not essential for the acceptance or the rejection of a variety by the users.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.