Phenotypic Variability of Local Squash (<i>Cucurbita maxima</i> Duch.) Grown in the Passoré Province of Burkina Faso

Abstract

Squash (Cucurbita maxima Duch) is one of the vegetables-fruits grown and used in human nutrition and in the treatment of many diseases in Burkina Faso. The main objective of this study is to contribute to a better knowledge of the phenotypic variability of the local squash grown in the Passoré province. To this end, an agro-morphological characterization was carried out in a randomised complete block design with three replications under rain-fed conditions in a Sudanese-Sahelian climate. A total of 32 variables, including 21 quantitative variables and 11 qualitative variables relating to the vegetative development of the plant and fruit yield, were measured. This study has shown the existence of a phenotypic diversity on the color and form of fruits and agro-morphological diversity based on the female characters flowering time (FLF), male flowering time (FLM), fruit length (LFT) and fruit diameter (DMF) organized in three (3) morphological groups. The Group 1 is composed of early flowering plants with small leaves and fruits and late maturity of fruits. Group 2 is the opposite of group 1 and is made up of accessions with large fruits and big seeds. As for Group 3 it is composed of high performance accessions with large leaves and fruits of high length and diameter.