Agroecological Adaptability and Agronomic Performance Stability of Six Fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf) Genotypes in Three Agroecological Zones of Burkina Faso

Abstract

Fonio (Digitaria exilis Stapf) is an important minor cereal in West Africa, but its production remains constrained by low yields and the limited availability of improved varieties. This study evaluated the adaptation and agronomic performance of six fonio genotypes across three agroecological zones of Burkina Faso. Field trials were conducted during the 2020 cropping season at Farako-Bâ, Banfora and Kamboinsin. The plant material consisted of five genotypes from the INERA collection and one registered check variety, CVF109. The experiment was arranged in a randomised block design with three replications at each site. Six quantitative traits were recorded: days to flowering, plant height, panicle length, number of tillers per plant, thousand-grain weight and grain yield. Analysis of variance, broad-sense heritability estimation, yield stability assessment and AMMI analysis were used to evaluate genotype performance and adaptation. Significant differences were observed among genotypes for most agronomic traits. Broad-sense heritability was high for most traits, with values above 60%, except for number of tillers, which showed lower values at some sites. The genotypes flowered early, with days to flowering ranging from 57 to 70 days across sites. Grain yield varied by genotype and location. Genotype CVF234 recorded the highest yields, with 722 kg/ha at Farako-Bâ, 730 kg/ha at Banfora and 735 kg/ha at Kamboinsin. Stability analysis indicated that CVF416 was the most stable genotype, followed by CVF234. AMMI analysis suggested differential adaptation of genotypes to the study sites. The results indicate useful genetic variability among the tested fonio genotypes and support further evaluation of promising materials for possible inclusion in the national variety registration process.