Seed and spike traits from remnant populations of Cenchrus ciliaris L. in South Tunisia: High distinctiveness, no ecotypes

In South Tunisia, as part of a native seed production program, a collection of 52 accessions of Cenchrus ciliaris was assessed for 12 different traits related to seed and spike. Possible relations between these, eco-geographic origin, and 4 adaptive traits of agronomical value were investigated. We could not establish reliable correlations between traits, nor between traits and eco-geographic origin. However, accessions were very distinct and homogeneous. Our data suggest that native seed production can consider South Tunisia as a single source and target region, but should define sound criteria to select a limited number of accessions for multiplication.