Farmers knowledge, perceptions and management of Kersting\u2019s groundnut (Macrotyloma geocarpum Harms) insect pests in Benin

Yêyinou Laura Estelle Loko,Jerôme Akohonwe,Manuele Tamò,Joelle Toffa,Prisca Assogba,Alexandre Dansi,Azize Orobiyi

doi:10.1186/s41936-019-0113-3

Abstract

BackgroundMacrotyloma geocarpum Harms is a neglected and underutilized crop in Benin subject to several constraints including storage insect attacks, which contribute to the decrease in its production. An ethnobotanical survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted in 15 villages in southern and central Benin to document farmers’ perceptions of M. geocarpum storage insect pests and their traditional management practices.ResultsThe results showed that insect pest were the most important storage constraint of M. geocarpum. To overcome this constraint, the promotion of resistant landraces has been proposed by farmers. Six vernaculars names of storage insect pests of M. geocarpum were identified throughout the study area and all corresponding to Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) which proved to be the most abundant insect in the stocks. Palatability and fragility of seeds coat have been identified by farmers as the main factors favoring the infestation by this pest. Various storage containers of M. geocarpum have been inventoried. Our study revealed that education, storage containers, and Kersting’s groundnut landraces significantly influenced farmers’ perceptions of severity of insect pest damages. The use of chemicals and repellent plants were the main control methods used by farmers to protect stocks. Different levels of resistance of M. geocarpum landraces to storage insect pests were reported.ConclusionsThis study provides baseline information for development of integrated management approaches against storage insect pests of M. geocarpum. The perceived level of resistance to insect damage on Kersting’s groundnut landraces needs to be investigated.

Highlights

Macrotyloma geocarpum Harms is a neglected and underutilized crop in Benin subject to several constraints including storage insect attacks, which contribute to the decrease in its production
Macrotyloma geocarpum (Harms), or Kersting’s groundnut, is an important African indigenous legume crop of the Fabaceae family grown on a small scale in West Africa for its grains are produced in pods developing below ground (Pasquet, Mergeai, & Baudoin, 2002)
We report in this paper the findings of a study carried out in Benin in order to (1) identify Kersting’s groundnut storage constraints and solutions proposed by farmers to overcome these constraints, (2) evaluate farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of its storage pests, (3) examine farmers’ current practices in managing its storage pests, and (4) identify landraces that have some resistance to damage by storage insect pests

Summary

Introduction

Macrotyloma geocarpum Harms is a neglected and underutilized crop in Benin subject to several constraints including storage insect attacks, which contribute to the decrease in its production. Its edible seeds are high in proteins, carbohydrates, and essential amino acids (Chickwendu, 2007) They are a good source of minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and sodium (Oyetayo & Ajayi, 2005). According to Ajayi and Oyetayo (2009), Kersting’s groundnut can be used in the formulation of dietary supplements for children and help to combat malnutrition. It is an important source of income (2 to 6 USD per kilogram) for the rural population of Benin (Assogba et al, 2015)

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