Structural Characteristics of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Reproductive Material Sources in West-Central Burkina Faso

The sustainability of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) cultivation depends on the quality of available sources of reproductive material (RMS). In Burkina Faso, some planting material of this species comes from RMS with unknown characteristics. This study aims to improve knowledge of cashew RMS in west-central Burkina Faso to support efforts to improve the seed production system. Data were collected from 30 randomly selected RMS on 53 square plots of 2,500 m2. Trunk diameters, tree height were measured, and health status was assessed. Equivalent diameter, density and importance value index were calculated. The structures were fitted to the Weibull distribution. The results showed that the RMS, constituted by stands (90%) and seed sources, were juvenile when considering their structures (1 < c < 3.6). Most RMS (80.5%) were attacked by fungi. Densities of individuals were 102.370±43.120 at To and 91.846±21.442 at Leo. Locally valued and vulnerable woody species were associated with the targeted RMS (78.33%) and cropping associations were practiced (93.33%).Unless there is other evidence, the conditions observed are representative of other unapproved RMS in the country. The results suggest that the quality of the plant material supplied by these RMSs should be improved.