Evaluation of agronomic performances and participatory selection of productive onion varieties under cool dry conditions in Burkina Faso

Allium cepa is one of the most produced vegetables in Burkina Faso. It holds the first place with an annual production of 362.480 tons. Despite its proven socio-economic importance, there are very few varieties adapted to the local conditions of Burkina Faso. The present study was initiated by the CRE-FL to contribute to the increase of the varietal supply of tomatoes in Burkina Faso. A total of six varieties, including five from CRE-FL and one commercial control, were used as plant material. The trial was conducted in Diaradougou and Koassa during the dry season of 2022-2023. The study identified two superior varieties, based on their agronomic performance and the criteria established by producers and traders. These two varieties, AVON1308 (19.74 t ha-1) and AVON1323 (18.86 t ha-1), had mature bulb yields close to that of the control, Violet de Galmi (21.72 t ha-1), and a low rate of early bolting. They can be widely popularized to increase the variety of onions and bulb production. However, it would be interesting to extend the evaluation of the agronomic value of these varieties to the seven major onion-producing regions in order to better understand their adaptability to the agroclimatic conditions of these regions and also to ensure their better acceptance by users.