On-station and on-farm participatory evaluation and selection of stable and high-yielding Bambara groundnut in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Introduction: Low yield is often claimed as one of the most important challenges for Bambara groundnut production in West Africa. To address the lack of high-yielding genotypes of Bambara groundnut in Burkina Faso, participatory evaluation and selection through multilocation trials is an important step to be taken. The present study aims at the participatory evaluation and selection of high-yielding and stable Bambara groundnut landraces in Burkina Faso. Methods: A BGN collection was evaluated involving 274 growers through multilocation trials, including on-station and on-farm trials. Through semi-structured interviews, the most important trait for BGN selection and the growers’ most preferred genotypes were identified. The collection was subjected to genetic stability and adaptability analysis based on the most important trait identified by growers. Results: The study highlighted that crop yield is the most important selection trait for growers across the locations. In some locations, the on-farm agronomic performances (crop yield) were very similar to those observed on the research station, indicating that these locations could be favorable for BGN production. Conclusion: Genotypes SLEO1 and BIKZ1 were identified as the most promising ones in terms of yield performance, farmers’ preferences, and genetic stability across the environments. They can be disseminated to growers in Bambara groundnut production areas in Burkina Faso.