The importance of agriculture in the management of sustainable food security requires better knowledge and conservation of the diversity of plant genetic resources. This study is meant for establishing the nomenclature of the diversity of the species of squash (Cucurbita sp) grown by farmers in Burkina Faso. A survey was carried out in 19 of the country's provinces, divided into nine regions and two climatic zones. To this end, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted using the random method. The data collected during the survey were analyzed descriptively and statistically using EXCEL 2016 spreadsheet and R 4.1.2 software. In total,16 vernacular names were identified among 14 ethnic groups. The survey also permitted identifying three species (Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata and Cucurbita argyrosperma) in the Sudanian zone and a single species (Cucurbita maxima) in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of the country. For the different morphotypes of each species, the interviewees mainly use the color of the fruit. Thus, six, four and two morphotypes were identified for C. maxima, C. moschata and C. argyrosperma respectively. There is intraspecific variability in all the nine regions surveyed. The high value of the equitability index shows a regular distribution of morphotypes in these. Understanding the distribution and level of genetic variability of squash species will enable better management of this plant genetic resource.

Keywords: Distribution, diversity, squash, Cucurbita sp, Burkina Faso