Study of the Development of Cashew (Anacadium occidentale L.) Yield Components at Tree Level in Northern Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Lataha research station in the Poro region, which has a Sudanese climate with two distinct seasons. The aim was to assess cashew yield components through agromorphological and phenological analysis in three orchards of different ages (8, 12 and 39 years). An experimental block design was set up with three 50 m × 50 m plots. Twelve trees were selected and monitored. Span, height and trunk circumference were measured. Quadras were used to monitor twig development (vegetative, flowering, fruiting) every two days. Statistical analysis revealed that trunk span and circumference were strongly correlated with the number of vegetative shoots (r = 0.94 and r = 0.77). A strong linear regression was observed between span and the number of vegetative shoots (R² = 0.97). Branching and fruit production increased with tree age. East and west directions favoured higher shoot and fruit production, probably related to exposure to light. Male flowers are the most common, regardless of cardinal direction, followed by hermaphroditic flowers, which are more common in the east and south. The length of the flowering cycle increases with age: 34 days for young trees, 45 days for intermediate trees and 51 days for old cashew trees. Fruit production was significantly higher in the oldest trees. The study concludes that the age of the tree, its morphological characteristics and the cardinal orientation of the branches have a strong influence on flowering, fruiting and therefore yield.