Termites and maize crops: assemblage composition, damage level, and varietal sensitivity in contrasting agro-ecological zones of the Republic of Benin

Termites are considered as important pests of maize plantations in Republic Benin. However, very little information is available on their assemblage composition, abundance, damages, and the sensitivity common varieties This study aims to fill these gaps provide baseline for development an integrated termite management plantations. Therefore, 60 fields across 30 villages located four agro-ecological zones southern Benin were prospected using standardized method belt transects. In addition, resistance five attacks was evaluated on-farm during two consecutive seasons (2018 2019). Fifteen species belonging 11 genera, 6 subfamilies 3 families collected fields. Four (Macrotermes subhyalinus Rambur, Coptotermes sjostedti Holmgren, Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri, Trinevitermes germinatus Wasmann) found all with A. most abundant species. High similarity indices assemblages between zones. Wood-feeders group nesting hypogeal nests mostly The attack rate termites 16.9% did not vary significantly C. destructive varieties, although oeconomus Trägardh leaf sheaths; M. Macrotermes bellicossus Smeathman stem; Pseudacanthotermes militaris Hagen Odontotermes sp. roots. Termite damage level depended variety. Korga variety classified highly resistant attacks; Agbadé kouin winiwini resistant; Igbado tchakpa moderately resistant. While, Elèkpèrè Forkui susceptible. three identified should be included program future breeding programs.