New tomato and onion varieties tested in northern Benin

More than 200 vegetable producers gathered in Malanville, northern Benin, for a demonstration day to evaluate new tomato and onion varieties developed by the World Vegetable Center.

Malanville, located in the Niger Valley near the border with Niger, is Benin’s main onion-producing region and a vegetable production hub. Farmers cultivate onions, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, okra, and leafy vegetables.

The demonstration focused on varieties selected for yield, tolerance to high temperatures, and resistance to diseases including anthracnose/twister disease, damping-off, bacterial soft rot, and purple blotch. Traders, transporters, and processors also assessed postharvest characteristics, including suitability for transport and processing.

Five World Vegetable Center onion varieties were presented: GOUDAMI, AVON 1014, AVON 1053, AVON 1073, and AVON 1074. The short-cycle varieties generally mature 60 to 90 days after transplanting and can produce 40-60 tons per hectare. They also show tolerance to high temperatures, resistance to waterborne diseases, and longer bulb storage potential.

Six tomato varieties were also evaluated: AVTO1906, AVTO2181, AVTO2184, AVTO2188, AVTO2191, and AVTO2150. Field trials conducted with volunteer farmers produced yields exceeding 24 tons per hectare. Participants assessed fruit size, firmness, taste, transportability, and processing suitability.

AVTO2150, AVTO2184, and AVTO2191 were selected by participants based on their agronomic performance and fruit quality.

Malanville and neighboring Karimama supply onions and tomatoes to markets in Benin, Niger, and Nigeria. Onion transport is primarily by road, connecting northern production areas with southern markets, including Cotonou.

The field day concluded with technical guidance from World Vegetable Center researchers covering water management, organic fertilization, and integrated pest management. The adoption of the varieties could support higher farm incomes and food security in northern Benin.

For more information:
The World Vegetable Center
Tel: +229 6418 1313
www.worldveg.org