Endogenous Perception of the Diversity of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Cultivars Produced in Benin

Abstract

Taro is a staple in many southern countries and an ancient starchy crop consumed by more than 400 million people. Taro is a tuber crop which the endogenous knowledge is still poorly investigated in scientific research of Benin despite its importance in food security. This work aims to evaluate farmers' knowledge of diversity, production constraints, cultural practices for tubers conservation and the management of taro seed system through 15 villages in three townships in southern Benin. The methodology consisted of participatory research through individual and group interviews. Information such as production constraints, variety recognition criteria were taken into account by group. At the individual level, data relating to socio-demographic aspects (age, sex, socio-cultural group), the seed system, tuber conservation techniques were collected. The results revealed two (02) taro cultivars; pink-fleshed taro and white-fleshed taro. The recognition of criteria varied from one socio-cultural group to another according to the group age (P = 000). These criteria were leaf color, petiole color, tuber skin color and bud color. The selection criteria, seed availability and organoleptic quality of the cultivars varied with age (P = 0.000) and socio-cultural group (P = 0.002). These results can be directly used by a breeding program for the improvement of taro productivity in Benin.