Local knowledge and morphological variations in local landraces Mangifera indica L. in Northern Benin (West Africa)

Local landraces of mango (Mangifera indica L.) occupy an important position in household consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the local knowledge of M. indica landraces, the variation in their morphological traits, and the influence of environmental variables on the variability of morphotypes in Northern Benin. Two hundred and three households were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire based on the characteristics of local M. indica landraces recognized by the local inhabitants. In addition, 165 individuals of M. indica local landraces, along with 1650 leaves, fruits, and seeds, were sampled and characterized by 17 morphological traits of tree, fruits, and leaves. The local inhabitants recognized two local landraces of mango, and this local knowledge depended significantly on ethnicity and phytodistrict. Morphological analyses yielded four morphotype classes of trees according to phytodistricts. Morphotype G1 consisted of the smallest, roundest, and longest stone fiber fruit and was found mostly in the Bassila, Mekrou-Pendjari, and Atacora Chain phytodistricts. Morphotype G2 consisted of trees with mostly leathery-textured leaves, whereas Morphotype G3 included trees with the largest and heaviest fruit. The results can help select new superior local mango accessions for future breeding programs and develop conservation strategies in the present context of climate change. Key words: Conservation, fruit, leaves, mango, morphotype, morphological traits.