Knowledge and Management Strategies of Farmers to Safeguard Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Against Viral Diseases in Benin
Knowledge and Management Strategies of Farmers to Safeguard Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Against Viral Diseases in Benin
Nadia Kèmi Assana Chabi1, Gildas Codjo Tchemadon1,2*, Olaïgbé Lydie Hounkpatin3, Paul Kouété Jimmy4 and Leonard Antoine Chaffara Afouda1
ABSTRACT
Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a major food crop in the world and is cultivated in many African countries, including Benin. Viral infections contribute significantly in reducing the yield of sweetpotato. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate farmers’ knowledge and perception of viral diseases that can affect sweetpotato, as well as the control strategies used to manage them. A semi-structured survey was conducted in March and October 2022 among 156 sweetpotato farmers in 11 townships in agro-ecological zones (AEZ) II, VI and VIII of Benin. Among the respondents, 96.3% do not recognize symptoms of sweetpotato viral diseases, although 81.4% observe these symptoms in their fields with most (76.7%), a low incidence (0 to 25%). Also, 72.3% farmers affirm that the first viral symptoms appear at the flowering stage of sweetpotato plants. They observe the presence of aphids or whiteflies in their fields at 53.3% (AEZ II); 65.0% (AEZ VI) and 75.6% (AEZ VIII). Moreover, 100% (AEZ II); 92.5% (AEZ VI) and 93.0% (AEZ VIII), of farmers do not apply any management strategy for sweetpotato viral diseases. However, 5.0% (AEZ VI) and 7.0% (AEZ VIII) of them use chemical insecticides and 2.5% (AEZ VI), ash to control these diseases. To limit the impacts of these diseases and improve sweetpotato production in Benin, it is necessary to carry out in-depth studies on the distribution and importance of these diseases, set up selection programs focused on resistant varieties to viruses and improve the agricultural practices of farmers.
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