Research Article

Characterisation of the biological cycle of plants from two types of Desmodium adscendens (sw.) plant material for domestication in Daloa (Cote d’Ivoire)

Tahia Jean Yves Koffi^a*1, Yah Gwladys Gnamien^a1, Ahou-Nadia Kanga^a1, Jean-renaud Allouko^b2, Kouame Mathurin Koffi^c2 and Koutoua Ayolie^a2

^aUFR (Faculty) of Agroforestry, Laboratory for Improving Agricultural Production, University Jean Lorougnon Guédé, BP 150 Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire.

^bUniversity Jean Lorougnon Guédé, IUIPB, University Institute of Landscape and Wood Engineering, Côte d’Ivoire.

^cWater and Forestry Engineer, National Polytechnic Institut of Yamoussoukro (INPHB), Côte d’Ivoire.

*Corresponding author e-mail: koffitahiajean.y@gmail.com

(Received: 18/08/2024; Revised: 30/10/2024; Accepted: 30/11/2024; Published: 10/12/2024)

ABSTRACT

Desmodium adscendens (Sw.), the wild plant used to treat diverse pathologies, is menaced by deforestation and herbicides. It needs to be domesticated, starting with a study of its biology to preserve it and also to ensure healthy seedlings. It is in this context that this study was carried out to study the biology of Desmodium adscendens. To this end, grains and stem cuttings harvested in the wild from the plantations were grown outside the field on a block system. This consists of three blocks, with each block constituting a replication. After the crop was planted, germination and budburst rates, and quantitative parameters (stem length, number of branches, spread and flowering rate) were determined at one, two and three months after sowing. In addition to these parameters, a number of morphological parameters were determined. The results showed that bud burst was faster than germination. Also, in terms of growth parameters, plants grown from stem cuttings obtained better values with a large difference compared to those grown from grains. In addition, plants grown from grainss have a longer growing cycle (90 days) than plants grown from stem cuttings, which have an average growing cycle of 49 days. Its morphological structure is similar to that of legumes, with indeterminate growth. However, propagation by grains or stem cuttings is possible, depending on the objectives set. In short, Desmodium adscendens can be used as a cover plant in agroforestry systems and for soil restoration.

Keywords: Desmodium adscendens, crops, phenological phase, Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire