Morphological Characterization and Seed-Bulb Multiplication of Three Onion (Allium cepa L.) Varieties in Northern C？te d’Ivoire

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a strategic crop in C？te d’Ivoire. However, production remains insufficient to meet the growing local demand. This study was conducted to characterize and multiply seed bulbs of three onion varieties (SAFARI, ARES, and NAFIS), with the aim of improving national production, and was carried out in parallel with a complementary study on onion botanical seed production. Two experiments were carried out: the first focused on the characterization of base bulbs, while the second involved planting these bulbs for multiplication and agro-morphological evaluation. The data were collected in two stages. Prior to planting, bulb weight, length, and width were measured. Following bulb planting, germination rate, establishment success rate, yield in terms of number of bulbs per plant, and bulb weight were determined. The results revealed high morphological variability, particularly in bulb weight, which ranged from 5.84 to 68.31 g. The ARES variety was distinguished by heavier and wider bulbs. After planting, the average germination rate reached 83%, while the establishment success rate was 68%. SAFARI exhibited the highest germination rate (92%) but a lower success rate (53%). In contrast, ARES achieved the highest yield, with an average of three bulbs per multiplied seed-bulb. Positive correlations were observed between bulb weight and width, as well as between these traits and yield. These findings highlight the potential for multiplying seed bulbs prior to true seed production, particularly when varietal choice is well adapted to local conditions. ARES appears to be the most promising variety for optimizing yields, whereas SAFARI, despite its vigorous germination, could benefit from genetic improvement to enhance its productivity.