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Cashew tree is a multi-purpose fruit species in Benin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agro-morphological diversity of the cashew varieties for their better management and utilization in crop improvement. For this purpose, 120 cashew trees sampled from the three major production areas were characterized based on 36 (14 qualitative and 22 quantitative) agro-morphological descriptors developed by Bioversity International. Statistical tools such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) tools have been used to describe the genetic variability. PCA results revealed that the parameters related to apple, nuts, kernel and inflorescence are the most important parameters that heavily contribute to overall diversity within the cashew species. Based on HCA of the quantitative variables, four phenotypic classes were distinguished within the sampled cashew trees. Significant correlations (positive or negative) were detected between variables such as the length and weight of the apple on one hand and the weight, length and width of the nut and inflorescence on the other hand. This preliminary work suggests the existence of an important genetic variability among Beninese cashew accessions that could be used in a breeding program. Keywords: Agro-morphology, fruit tree, phenotypic diversity.

Keywords: Agro-morphology, fruit tree, phenotypic diversity.

Abbreviations: PCA, Principal component analysis; HCA, hierarchical clustering analysis; IBPGR, International Board for Plant Genetic Resources; FCA, factorial correspondence analysis; UPGMA, unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages; DBH, diameter of tree; H, height total of tree; D, crown diameter; SH, crown surface; NFP, number of flowers per panicle; NFMP, number of male flowers per panicle; NFHP, number of hermaphrodite flowers per panicle; NFAP, number of abnormal flowers per panicle; SR, flowers sex ratio; PP, apple weight; LP, apple length; CP, apple circumference; PN, nut weight; LN, nut length; LaN, nut lower width; R Co/N, ratio shell/nut; PA, kernel weight; LoA, kernel length; LaA, kernel lower width; EpA, kernel thickness; OTP, out tum percent; R A/N, ratio kernel/nut; CP, apple color; FP, apple shape; FAP, cashew apple apex; FBP, shape of cashew apple base; NP, ridges on cashew apple; FN, nut shape; CNM, nut color; FAN, shape of nut apex; FAB, shape of nut base; SIN, suture of nut; RSA, relative position of suture and apex; FLN, flanks of nut; DI, disease incidence; SF, Secondary flowering.

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Citation: Sika CK, Adoukonou-Sagbadja H, Ahoton LE, Adebo I, Adigoun FA, Saidou A, Ahanchede A, Kotchoni SO, Baba-Moussa L (2015). Morphological characterization and agronomic performances of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) accessions from Benin. J. Agric. Crop Res. 3(2): 27-40.