Farmers’ perceptions and management of citrus fungal diseases in Benin

Publication Type

Journal Article

Name of Author

• Goudjo Habib Toessi, University Felix Houphouët-Boigny (U-FHB), Côte d'IvoireFollow
• Rachidatou Sikirou, National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin (INRAB), Cotonou, Benin
• Elisée Georges Dadé Ler-N'ogn Amari, University Felix Houphouët-Boigny (U-FHB), Côte d'Ivoire
• Esaïe Gandonou, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
• Afio Zannou, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
• Daouda Koné, West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Publication Date (Issue Year)

2024

Journal Name

Heliyon

Abstract

Abstract

Background and aim

Citrus production represents an important activity for the national economy and a source of income for farmers in Benin. However, fungal diseases are a major constraint to production intensification. The aim of this study is to assess farmers’ perceptions on citrus fungal diseases in production areas in Benin.

Methods

A survey was conducted among 417 farmers between July and December 2021 in four major citrus-producing agro-ecological zones (zones V, VI, VII and VIII) to collect their perceptions, knowledge and management practices of citrus fungal diseases.

Results

Farmers reported that fungal diseases are one of the main constraints to citrus production, including black spot, anthracnose, brown rot, sooty mold and fruit rot. Among them, black spot disease is the most severe, causing damage to production. According to farmers, symptoms appear on fruit after fruit set, with a very remarkable presence and high incidence at maturity. Although farmers are most of times aware of the damage caused by fungal diseases with adverse consequences on their income, they have a poor knowledge of appropriate phytosanitary products to manage these diseases. Indeed, the majority of farmers (>60 %) use chemical insecticides, which they reported to be ineffective against citrus fungal diseases. Although chemical insecticides are their only recourse, almost 40 % use nothing to control these diseases. Farmers stated that climatic variability is a factor favoring the development of diseases, leading to reduced production.

Keywords

Citrus, Fungal diseases, Farmers' perceptions, Benin

Rsif Scholar Name

Goudjo Habib Toessi

Rsif Scholar Nationality

Benin

Cohort

Cohort 2

Thematic Area

Climate Change

Africa Host University (AHU)

University Felix Houphouët-Boigny (U-FHB), Côte d'Ivoire

Funding Statement

The authors thank the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET) and Regional Scholarship and Innovation Funds (RSIF) programme, the Universit´e F´elix Houphou¨et-Boigny of Cˆote d’Ivoire, the Institut National des Recherches Agricoles du B´enin (INRAB) and the African Centre of Excellence of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture (CEA- CCBAD/Cˆote d’Ivoire) for financial and technical support and providing working facility of the research study

Recommended Citation

Toessi, G. H., Sikirou, R., Amari, E. D., Gandonou, E., Zannou, A., & Koné, D. (2024). Farmers’ perceptions and management of citrus fungal diseases in Benin. Heliyon, 10 (12) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32775