Assessing the potential of new yam cultivars (Dioscorea alata) in semitraditional cropping system on low fertile ferrallitisols in the savanna zone of Cote d’Ivoire

Abstract To improve yam production in West Africa and stabilize its cropping system on Dystric ferrallitisols, a varietal test was conducted at Bringakro (6°401'N, 5°091'O, alt. 150 m) in the savanna zone at the Centre of Côte d'Ivoire. Five improved cultivars of Dioscorea alata (TDa 95-079; TDa 95-226; TDa 95-387; TDa 98-1176; TDa 98-1177) and two local checks (Florido et Bete-Bete) were used in 2000 and 2001. Yields, multiplication factor and postharvest losses ratio were collected annually for each variety. Results of statistical analysis showed highest yields (20.31 t ha-1 – 15.73 t ha-1) for TDa98-1176 while lowest (9.37 and 10.50 t.ha-1) were obtained by local Bete-Bete. This improved variety has also the highest multiplication factor (5.62% - 7.25%) and its' post-harvest loss ratio (19.23% – 41.58%) was among the lowest. The review of these results showed that the assession TDa98-1176 can insure equivalent yield of Bete bete if soil is well managed without any fertilization under ferrallitisol.