Characterisation of three morphotypes of Solenostemon rotundifolius [(Poir.) J. K. Morton] cultivated in Burkina Faso using quantitative traits

Evaluation of intra specific variability is a key step toward conservation and sustainable use of species. This study was carried out to describe the morphotypes of Solenostemon rotundifolius (Lamiaceae) based on quantitative traits. Three accessions (E02, E35 and E20), representing the morphotypes “A”, “B” and “C” were characterised in Randomised Complete Block Design with three replications. Twenty-four (24) traits related to the cycle, the canopy size, the production and the tuber size were measured. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant difference of the morphotypes (at level P = 0.05 or 0.01) in the traits related to the canopy and leaf size, the crop cycle, the production and the tuber size. The morphotype “A” was identified to be the most promising one. It was early maturing (107 to 113 days) and the most productive (134.98 g per plant). The cycle of the morphotypes “B” and “C” varied from 154 to 164 days and 118 to 149 days and tuber weight per plant was 46.03 and 45.17 g, respectively. This work is a step toward a full description of the morphotypes of S. rotundifolius. It provided a useful list of quantitative traits that can be used as descriptors for future description of genetic resources of S. rotundifolius and for breeding purposes.   Key words: Breeding, genetic resources, Lamiaceae, tuber, variability.