I am computing crop suitability across West Africa. Therefore, I would like to know:
- the overall length of the vegetation period for the following crops: cassava, groundnut, maize, (pearl) millet, and sorghum. I am aware that this, among other factors, depends mainly on the variety, but would be grateful for any hints, references, etc. from which I can derive rough values
- any hints about studies of real planting dates of the above mentioned crops obtained by surveys across West Africa (besides the study of Sacks 2010, Global Ecol. Biogeogr.).
Thanks in advance.
Patrick Laux In response to your question, Just as you stated, these crops overall length depend on the varieties due to improve technological measures put in place by CGIAR-based research centres, among others (e.g IITA, CIMMYT, AfricaRice, ICRISAT etc). In addition, please read through the attached relevant articles. I am sure you will find them useful.
Dear Samuel,
thanks for your response. I think my question was not very clear. I am sorry. I am more interested in the duration [in days] the above mentioned crop need to reach maturity. Depending on the varieties and breeding technologies, there exist e.g. short- and long-duration varieties. I am interested in a) what is used across West Africa, and b) in the duration of such varieties. My hope is that there is a paper or a report, in which these information is well summarized.
The papers you mentioned are nevertheless interesting for me.
Cheers, Patrick
You could get these information from the ICRISAT ( International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics ) webpage . Check the top icon, click on Crops (see attached image) using the link below
https://www.icrisat.org/farmer-cooperatives-across-west-and-central-africa-help-expand-access-to-improved-seeds-boosting-yields/
Hi Patrick Laux, this link may help too.
http://www.fao.org/agriculture/seed/cropcalendar/welcome.do
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