Planting date and variation in quantitative traits of Solenostemon rotundifolius [(Poir.) J. K. Morton].

Abstract The present study aimed to verify the effect of the planting date on quantitative traits of S. rotundifolius. To this end, twelve accessions of S. rotundifolius, including six (6) from Burkina Faso and six (6) from Ghana, were subjected to agro-morphological evaluations using a Fisher block design with three replications at three dates: April 3rd (D1); June 3rd (D2) and July 8th (D3). Fourteen (14) quantitative traits related to the canopy and leaf size, the cycle, and the yield were recorded. Comparative analysis of the performance of accessions according to planting dates revealed significant differences for all the traits. These results showed that late planting (July) resulted in low canopy size. Late maturing of the accessions was observed in case of early planting (April). Planting in June (D2) resulted in good yielding and large canopy development. These results revealed that the planting date is a crucial parameter in S. rotundifolius phenotype. They could be useful for the development of suitable agronomic practices for S. rotundifolius growing and for breeding purpose.