Methods and strategies of the conservation of cereals’ plant genetic resources cultivated in the Far-North Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Cereals are an integral part of agricultural production and are the base crops essential for food security. However, recent studies conducted in the Sudano-Sahelian zone on cereal seed management strategies have revealed a real deficit of post-harvest conservation structures and strategies that promote the spoilage of seeds stored in the field and in equipment. The present study aims to evaluate farmers' conservation methods and strategies for optimizing the germination capacity of seeds preserved in situ and ex situ. The study was carried out among producers in the Sudano-Sahelian zone, more specifically in Far-North Region in the localities of Mora, Gazawa and Moutourwa. The methodological approach consisted of random sampling of farmer’s organizations and a representative sample of 87 producers in the 03 localities was surveyed. Respondents for all 03 villages are subjected to a questionnaire according to the tools and techniques of a participatory research approach based on direct observations, free discussions and individual interviews. Surveys revealed that a total of 02 crops are produced in the 3 localities, namely: Maize (20.68%) and Sorghum (79.31%). The respective varieties of these crops are: CMS 9015 (14.94 %) and TZEE (5.74%) for Maize; for the Sorghum varieties they are S-35 (16.09%), Zouaye (9.19%), Sectaire (10.34%), Viri (6.89%), Dadoudou (5.74%), Adjagamari (2.29%), Dalassi (5.74%), Muskuwari (3.44%), red millet (13.79%) and white millet (5.74%). As for in-situ strategies and methods, it should be noted that the conservation of these seeds is done by regular control of fields (31.03 %), selection of good corn on the field (17.24 %), treatment on the fields against red insects (25.28 %), respect of isolation distances of plots (8.04 %), separate harvesting of varieties (3.44 %), purification of hors-types on the fields (10.34 %) and chemical treatment of crop plots (4.59 %). The ex-situ conservation of the seeds is done as follows: placing the seeds on plots in a clean and treated store (12.64 %), arranging the bags on the pallets (12.64 %), providing sunlight to the harvested products (18.39 %), packaging them in secure polyethylene bags (31.03 %), covering the seed bags with tarpaulins (18.39 %) and biologically treating the seeds with oils extracted from the plants (6.89 %). From the two crops identified by producers, sorghum is the most widely grown cereal in the Far North. Due to its agronomic requirements, this crop is the most suitable for this area because it provides the best harvest yields among all cultivated cereals. Producers prefer it because it allows for the preparation of better traditional dishes and is also known for its brewing potential. Furthermore, all of these conservation strategies both in situ and ex situ identified above, allow the maintenance of the qualitative, nutritional, and germination properties of the seed throughout conservation, for the preservation that can satisfy producers' expectations.