<p>Tomato, <i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L. (Solanaceae), is one of the most economically and nutritionally important vegetable crops in Benin. However, its production is severely constrained by a range of insect pests, resulting in significant yield losses. To support the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies adapted to local farming systems, it is essential to understand farmers’ perceptions, knowledge, and pest management practices. A field survey was conducted among 652 tomato farmers across 12 communes using participatory rural appraisal tools. The results showed that the tomato leafminer <i>Tuta absoluta</i> (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was recognized by 52.67% of respondents, mainly based on its damage symptoms on leaves, stems, and fruits. Farmers reported that its proliferation was associated with a decline in other herbivorous insect populations, suggesting possible ecological interactions. Regarding pest control practices, chemical control was widely adopted, with pyrethroids being the most commonly used insecticides, often applied alone or in combination with organophosphates and neonicotinoids. However, most of these products are not approved by the Beninese National Pesticide Management Committee (CNGP), raising concerns about their safety and appropriateness. In contrast, the adoption of agroecological and IPM practices remained very low, with only 3.99% of farmers reporting their use. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed significant variations in pest management strategies among communes. Farmers in Adjohoun and Bante reported greater use of polyculture and botanical extracts, whereas those in Grand-Popo and Dogbo relied more on crop rotation and traditional methods. Botanical preparations also varied geographically, including the use of seeds and roots in Kpomasse and Ketou, and fruits and stems in Adjohoun. The study confirms the widespread presence of <i>T. absoluta</i> across agroecosystems in Benin, placing the country at high risk of infestation. These findings highlight the urgent need to promote eco-friendly pest management strategies and improve access to safe and approved agricultural inputs.</p>

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Invasion and management practices of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in the Republic of Benin

  • Yasmine Gbenontin,
  • Joelle Toffa,
  • Anicet Dassou,
  • Elie Dannon,
  • Mavis A. Acheampong,
  • Josky Adikpeto,
  • Arnaud Hounhoui-gan,
  • Hubert Dossa,
  • Yêyinou Laura Estelle Loko,
  • Manuele Tamò

摘要

Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae), is one of the most economically and nutritionally important vegetable crops in Benin. However, its production is severely constrained by a range of insect pests, resulting in significant yield losses. To support the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies adapted to local farming systems, it is essential to understand farmers’ perceptions, knowledge, and pest management practices. A field survey was conducted among 652 tomato farmers across 12 communes using participatory rural appraisal tools. The results showed that the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was recognized by 52.67% of respondents, mainly based on its damage symptoms on leaves, stems, and fruits. Farmers reported that its proliferation was associated with a decline in other herbivorous insect populations, suggesting possible ecological interactions. Regarding pest control practices, chemical control was widely adopted, with pyrethroids being the most commonly used insecticides, often applied alone or in combination with organophosphates and neonicotinoids. However, most of these products are not approved by the Beninese National Pesticide Management Committee (CNGP), raising concerns about their safety and appropriateness. In contrast, the adoption of agroecological and IPM practices remained very low, with only 3.99% of farmers reporting their use. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed significant variations in pest management strategies among communes. Farmers in Adjohoun and Bante reported greater use of polyculture and botanical extracts, whereas those in Grand-Popo and Dogbo relied more on crop rotation and traditional methods. Botanical preparations also varied geographically, including the use of seeds and roots in Kpomasse and Ketou, and fruits and stems in Adjohoun. The study confirms the widespread presence of T. absoluta across agroecosystems in Benin, placing the country at high risk of infestation. These findings highlight the urgent need to promote eco-friendly pest management strategies and improve access to safe and approved agricultural inputs.