Agronomic Performance and Stability of Vegetable Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) Genotypes in Benin

Amaranth is a vegetable and grain crop with the potential to contribute to nutrition security and income generation. However, amaranth production in Benin faces several constraints, including the limited availability of improved varieties and access to high-quality seed. The study aimed to (i) identify top-performing varieties based on agronomic traits and (ii) identify farmer-preferred amaranth traits and genotypes to guide variety recommendations for release. Ten amaranth genotypes were evaluated in five environments defined as the combination of locations (Abomey-Calavi and Malanville) and years (2021, 2022, and 2023). Traits prioritization and variety ranking were done involving 41 experienced amaranth farmers. The analysis of variance revealed a significant genotype-by-environment interaction for fresh biomass yield, leaf length, and leaf width. Genotype was a major determinant of leaf length and leaf width, but had a lesser effect on fresh biomass yield. Genotypes A2002, IP-5-Sel, Madiira1, and Nguruma exhibited the most stable yield across environments. IP-5-Sel, A2004, and AC-NL were the most stable genotypes for leaf width, while IP-5-Sel and Madiira1 were the most stable for leaf length. The five environments formed a single mega-environment for fresh biomass yield and leaf width. The multi-trait selection index identified Nguruma and Madiira2 as the top performers when considering fresh biomass yield and leaf parameters. Farmer-preferred traits included marketability, branching, late flowering, and cooking quality. Based on these traits, the most preferred genotypes were Madiira2, AC-NL, Nguruma, and Akeri. Combining the agronomic and farmer preferences, and the release status of the genotypes in West Africa, we recommended Madiira2, IP-5-Sel, Nguruma, AVAM1939, AC-NL, and Akeri for release. The lines have been channeled into the variety release process in Benin.