World Vegetable Centre tests new tomato, onion varieties in Benin Republic – Daily Trust

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

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

The demonstration focused on varieties selected for high 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 the post-harvest characteristics of the varieties, including their suitability for transportation 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 between 40 and 60 tonnes 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 tonnes per hectare. Participants assessed the varieties based on fruit size, firmness, taste, transportability and suitability for processing.

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

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

The field day concluded with technical guidance from World Vegetable Center researchers on water management, organic fertilisation and integrated pest management.

The adoption of the varieties could support higher farm incomes and improve food security in northern Benin.