Abstract
In Benin, the preservation of maize is a real problem involving important physical and chemical properties losses. Physical losses are due by rodents, pests and insects and chemical losses are mainly due to fungal infection. Several methods, products and practices are used by farmers to overcome these problems. The methods used do not always control the losses caused by fungal infection. The objective of the study was to make a bibliographic synthesis of the impacts induced by the items, practices and methods used to overcome the chemical losses of maize. In the search for information, the library of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries was consulted; the archives of the library of the University of Abomey-Calavi and the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin were also consulted. Thus, chemicals such as sofagrain, Pyrimiphos-Methyl, Thiamethoxam, Pyrimiphos-Methyl, Permethrin, Deltamethrin, fumigant are used to control physical attacks on maize. Ash and plants species such as neem tree (Azadirachta indica) are generally used for the preservation and storage of maize seeds. In addition, chemicals such as arsenious anhydride and zinc phosphide are used for the preservation of corn. The use of these molecules and chemical products has negative impacts on human health and the environment. Of all the methods used, no treatment is still popularized for the reduction of the chemical losses caused by the fungal infection in corn storage.
Highlights
The harmful effects of aflatoxin on health, justified, on one hand, by sanitary events linked to the consumption of cereals contaminated by aflatoxin in Africa [17] [18], has accentuated the institutional and scientific fight against aflatoxin in cereals in this continent
The work we propose consists of a general review of the impacts of the use of chemical substances in the control of fungal infection of stored maize in Africa
Techniques Used and Difficulties for Maize Conservation in Africa and Benin In Benin, maize plays an important role in agricultural production systems, where more than 50% of the cultivated area is devoted to maize, as well as in the local economy and in feeding the population
Summary
Biological control and the use of synthetic chemical insecticides are the most widely used These methods have several limitations among which are the habituation of insects and the selection of resistant strains [15], food poisoning compromising human health, environmental pollution and ecological disorders [16]. Despite this political and scientific will, the presence of aflatoxin, sometimes in high doses, is noted in African cereal production to the point that the effectiveness of the control methods employed is questioned [8].
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