Diversity and phenotypic characterization of Bambara groundnut Vigna subterranea (L. Verdc.) in Benin

Objective: Bambara groundnut Vigna subterranea (L. Verdcourt) is cultivated for its high nutritional value. However, improving the marketability of this crop in local markets is desirable. In the present research, we described the diversity and characteristics of the phenotypes of Bambara groundnut from five Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs) of Benin. Methodology and Results: A total of 514 farmers were surveyed, and 188 samples of Bambara groundnut were collected from them, reproduced at research station and analyzed in laboratory. Data related to colors and different patterns of integuments were collected. The results showed that, of all the variables measured, 14 allowed to discriminate (p < 0.05) at best five groups identified. Among all the phenotypes observed, the cream-colored integument morphotype was the most dominant. Conclusions and application of findings: The present study revealed a great morphological variability of Bambara groundnut collected from the AEZs of Benin. The Bambara groundnut groups identified exhibit different phenotypic characteristics. In addition, the cream-colored of Bambara groundnut seeds were abundant in all the AEZs. These results suggest the use of the characters considered in the present study, as basic criteria for phenotypes differentiation and study of variability between Bambara groundnut phenotypes in Benin.