Rice pests in the <scp>Republic</scp> of <scp>Benin</scp> : farmers' perceptions, knowledge and management practices

BACKGROUND Rice (Oryza spp) is one of the most consumed cereals in Republic Benin. However, rice production threatened by various pests, which lead to important yield losses. For development integrated management strategies responding farmers' realities, it document their perceptions, knowledge and pests. Surveys involving 418 farmers 21 ethnic groups through 39 villages were performed using rural appraisal tools. RESULTS Farmers perceived birds, specifically weavers as The surveyed also identified variegated grasshopper, Zonocerus variegatus L. brown leaf spots [Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boedijn] main pests northern region, pink stem borer, Sesamia calamistis Hampson blast (Magnaporthe grisea (Hebert) Barr) southern Z. yellow mottle virus (genus Sobemovirus) central storage constraint was rodent attacks proposed 13 key solutions minimize constraints related storage. Among pest control methods recorded, used mainly synthetic chemical pesticides. Beninese National Pesticide Management Committee (CNGP) does not recommend pesticides for protection (prohibited or intended other crops). Farming experience, family size, region number observed have significantly influenced decision use CONCLUSION vary across regions. These results suggest that programmes target accounting these regional differences will be more effective. variables influence must taken account encourage ecofriendly management.