Utilisation de la diversité variétale du sorgho pour valoriser la diversité des sols au Mali

Abstract

The erosion of biodiversity is intimately linked to mankind. Still, many plant genetic resources in agriculture are the result of selections and improvements made by farmers which make the use of diverse cultivated environments possible. The structuring of biodiversity is described at the village scale. During an initial and rapid participatory appraisal, we determined the use of varieties by farmers according to toposequence. This approach is discussed on the basis of the cropping pattern and a follow-up of the crop management sequence for each variety. Several varieties are cultivated on each soil unit but they always show similarities in their ecology. The follow up of sowing in the same plot facilitates better characterization on the use of varieties and particularly on their plasticity. Breeders need to consider that cropping patterns, which closely follow the toposequence, have evolved. Selection programs require a range of improved varieties to respect adaptations of local cultivars.