Morphological Variability of Neglected and Underutilized Legumes (NULs) Collection from Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

In order to characterize neglected and underutilized legumes seeds (NULs), prospection, collection and characterization were carried out in five administrative regions from Côte d'Ivoire. Two thousand and fifty-four accessions were collected. NULs cultivation is done mainly by women (88.1% compared to 11.9% of men). Productors distinguish 22 morphotypes of NULs based on seeds shapes, colors and patterns. Morphological traits of the collected morphotypes revealed a significant phenotypic polymorphism. Quantitative analyses showed a clear structure of accessions; three main groups were revealed. The first group contains accessions with large and thick seeds, but a low index shape opposite to group II with high index shape. Seeds of group III are characterized by small width and thickness, but a high shape index. Analyses of qualitative traits revealed five groups characterized by heterogeneous or homogeneous coloured integument, inked or elevated edge of hilum, presence or absence of eye.