Agro-morphological Characterization of Two Grape Varieties (Aleatico and Bequignol) of Vines [Vitis vinifera] L. (Vitaceae)] in a Nursery in Daloa, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Background: The grapevine is a perennial plant belonging to the Vitaceae family, genus Vitis, and the species vinifera is the most widely cultivated. It is grown for both table grapes and grapes intended for winemaking. Africa remains marginal in the viticulture sector, particularly in equatorial and tropical zones where climatic conditions limit grapevine cultivation. Viticulture is very underdeveloped in Côte d'Ivoire. This study was conducted in the Haut-Sassandra region. Situated at the transition between the southern forests and the northern savannas, Daloa enjoys a humid tropical climate characterized by a long rainy season and a short dry season marked by the influence of the harmattan. Objective: To evaluate the agro-morphological parameters of two grape varieties in the Daloa region in order to identify the variety best suited to the pedoclimatic conditions. Methodology: For this purpose, a nursery of the two grape varieties was set up, it consisted of two elementary plots of 200 polyethylene bags, 100 for each grape variety. The study was conducted in a semi-controlled environment measuring 25 m² and 3.30 m high. The average temperature recorded within this setup was 33°C. The vegetative propagation method used was stem cuttings. Results: The Bequignol grape variety produced the highest number of leaves (21.53), the shortest time required to reach 50% budbreak capacity (8 days), and the shortest budbreak duration (15 days after sowing), while the Aléatico variety had the largest leaves (10.50 cm) with a lower number of leaves (17.47), a time required to reach 50% budbreak capacity of 13 days, and a budbreak duration of 19 days. Conclusion: The Aleatico grape variety is the most suited to the conditions of the region.