Participatory identification of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) promising genetic resources in Ivory Coast

Abstract Ivory Coast ranks first and third in the world in cashew nut production and processing, respectively. Despite this performance, the profitability of Ivorian cashew orchards remains low, due mainly to a lack of improved varieties and the use of inappropriate farming practices. To address this problem, farmer-participatory selection of promising trees was conducted for three consecutive years (2019–2021) in four administrative regions covering the main cashew production zones of the country. Investigations were carried out on 121 cashew trees using eight quality traits indicated by farmers, six yield components and two traits of industrial interest. High phenotypic variability was noted for most of the traits analyzed (coefficient of variation > 25% for 12/15 traits). A total of 42 trees was identified as promising trees. Considering the yield trait, 9, 22, and 11 trees were classified as good (15–20 kg nut/year), best (21–30 kg nut/year), and elite (> 30 kg nut/year), respectively. From the combined analysis of quality criteria, five trees (L45, A15, R22, J27, and H23) were proposed for local distribution to farmers. Five trees with good industrial qualities in addition to interesting yields (17.28–28.95 kg nut/year) have been proposed for cultivation for double purposes: A45 and G14 for nut and beverages; and A34, A41, F21, and L22 for nut and the cashew nut shell liquid. The trees G27, I11, l12, and G24 with high sugar contents (37.71–26.24 Brix) can be grown for beverages. Phenetic analysis showed only two distinct groups, suggesting a narrow genetic basis of cashew trees in Ivorian orchards. Additional studies and means for a better valorization of these genetic resources are suggested.