Participatory Identification of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Promising Genetic Resources in Ivory Coast

ABSTRACTIvory Coast ranks first and third in the world in cashew nut production and processing, respectively. Despite this performance, the Ivorian cashew orchards yield 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 genotypes using eight quality traits indicated by farmers, six yield components and two traits of industrial interest (cashew nut shell liquid and kernel ratio). High phenotypic variability was recorded for most of the traits analysed (coefficient of variation > 25% for 12/15 traits). A total of 42 trees with the best productive potential were 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. Six 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 (26.24–37.71 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.