Folk taxonomy of Niger onion diversity and analysis of farmer criteria for characterizing the different ecotypes

Abstract

The onion is a very important crop in Niger, which has developed a reputation of high quality for ages. In Niger, many analyses have been carried out concerning onion production, but very little research has been done on onion ecotypes. The aims of this work were to identify the different types of onion produced in Niger. About a dozen sites were visited in the main area of mass production of onion in Niger. Interviews were conducted with ten producers on each site visited. These producers have a good knowledge of the different types of onions produced in the area and all over the country. Descriptors for Allium, established by Bioversity International (ex IPGRI), have been used to characterize the onion ecotypes. Fifty two locally named ecotypes were identified, but after analysis and grouping by synonyms, it was found that 17 of them were produced in Niger. The main criteria for a local ecotype naming are the colour of the onion bulb and the production area.