Comparative study of spatial occupancy and agronomic performance four morphotypes (M1, M2, M3 and M7) of taro Xanthosoma spp. in Côte d'Ivoire

Ensuring sustainable food and nutritional security is paramount for Côte d’Ivoire. To contribute to this, work has begun on taro, a local plant that is underutilized. The aim is to promote taro cultivation and facilitate its integration into Côte d’Ivoire’s cropping systems. Thus, a trial was set up to compare the agronomic performance and spatial occupancy of four morphotypes taro Xanthosoma spp. M1, M2, M3 and M7. A three-block experimental device was used. Data collected during the trial covered plant height, wingspan of plant, leaves, main tuber and secondary tubers. Among the four morphotypes compared, morphotype M7 recorded the highest average yield of edible tubers (8.79 ± 4.02 tonnes per hectare vs. 8.23 ± 4.00 tonnes per hectare, 6.11 ± 2.96 tonnes per hectare and 5.52 ± 3.62 tonnes per hectare for M2, M3 and M1 respectively). M7 is also the morphotype that occupies the least space in cultivation. These two characteristics make M7 the most productive taro morphotype in terms of edible tubers. It is also the best suited to easily integrate cultural associations into the farming systems in Ivory Coast. These results could contribute to the valorization and integration of taro and strengthen local food and nutritional security.