Contribution méthodologique pour la validation en milieu réel de nouvelles variétés de plantains

Abstract

Introduction. Diffusion of new varieties resulting from programs of genetic improvement (hybrid or introductions) sometimes encounters difficulties. To limit this problem, a methodological approach aiming at facilitating the adoption of these varieties by the growers was developed in Cameroon on a plantain-type hybrid. Materials and methods. The approach successively sought to identify on a hierarchical basis, by investigation, the criteria of varietal preferences privileged by the producers; to test, by tests in real conditions, in what ways a new variety answered these criteria; and to evaluate the agronomic performances of the hybrid and a pilot variety according to the diversity of the environments. Results. The results underlined the potential of the approach presented to include/understand the determinants of the adoption of a new variety by the growers. They provide useful information for the piloting of future programs of genetic improvement. They reveal methodological difficulties in the realization of interdisciplinary tests in real conditions, which will have to be taken into account for the improvement of future protocols. Conclusion. The conditions of a new variety adoption vary according to localizations, taking into account the pedoclimatic variables, and according to the growers, taking into account the socio-economic constraints. The varietal offer must thus be diversified to answer the diversity of the requests. The approach taken would gain by being supplemented by investigations of other plantain growers. Our experiment must be regarded as a first contribution to a broader approach. © 2005 Cirad/EDP Sciences. All rights reserved.