Connaissance paysanne des insectes foreurs de tiges du riz et leurs dégâts dans différentes zones écologiques du Benin (Afrique de l’Ouest)

Farmer knowledge of rice stem borers and their damage in various ecologicalzones of Benin (West Africa) In Benin, damage caused by stem borers are a threat to rice production. The presentstudy aimed at evaluating farmer knowledge of these pests in order to find participativesolutions for their monitoring and control in rural areas. An agronomic survey was carriedout with 151 producers in the regions of Zou, collines and Couffo where specimens of rice stem borers and samples of their damage were exhibited to farmers for identification. Field visits were also undertaken in order to observe farmer knowledge. The results recorded show that rice producers in Benin have good knowledge of the main rice stem borers such are SesamiacalamistisHampson (Lepidopera : Noctuidae), ChilozacconiusBleszynski (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae), MaliarphaseparatellaRagonot (Lepidopera : Pyralidae) and Diopsis spp. (Diptera : Diopsidae). Damages caused by stem borers, such as white panicle and dead heart, are also very well recognized by the farmers. The proven knowledge of rice stem borers by farmers would allow agricultural services to take advantage of farmers’ experience and knowledge by associating them in local diagnosis and pest control measures.