Fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf) germplasm assemblage for characterization, conservation and improvement in Ghana
2006
Clottey, V.A. (Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Tamale (Ghana)) | Agyare, W.A. | Kombiok, J.M. | Abdulai, H. | Kaleem, A.H.
Results of a survey conducted in the north-eastern part of the Northern Region of Ghana revealed the existence of several fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf) landraces that have not been classified on a scientific basis. A semi-structured questionnaire was used in 2000 to gather information about the fonio landraces cultivated there, and 11 samples were assembled from farmers' barns. Farmers classify these landraces by maturity period into three groups. Early maturing landraces, like Kiyo (found among the Kabre people), Fefeke and Nomba (found among the Anufos, aka Chokosi, people) take about 90 days to mature in their localities. The intermediate landraces that mature in about 120 days are called Saranna, meaning four months in Anufo, Okabujain Konkomba and Yadema in Anufo. A five-month maturing cultivar, Sarannu was also obtained from the Anufos. Yadema and Nomba nvoni are the landraces most commonly cultivated in the area. The data indicate possible duplication among the land-races collected, so they will require further characterization in due course. Farmer selection of fonio has been based on earliness, ease of processing and storage qualities. Further improvement of the crop must take these desirable traits into consideration. There are indications that fonio genetic material is being eroded and measures must be taken to conserve existing materials, both in situ and ex situ
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