Farmers traditional practices and management methods of stored common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) insect pests in the central region of Benin Republic

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a legume that contributes to food security and poverty reduction in Benin. However, there is very little information on its production constraints, varietal diversity, storage practices, storage insect management, and seed system. While these information are necessary for use in breeding programs and a better conservation of this legume. To fill these gaps, ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in 23 villages selected through central Benin using participatory rural appraisal tools and techniques. The number of beans landraces ranged from 3 to 5 per village (4.7 on averages) and from 1 to 4 per household (1.7 on average). A total of 26 common beans folk varieties, corresponding to 12 climbing bean landraces were recorded in the study area. A high rate of threat of landraces disappearance was recorded through surveyed villages. Various seeds storage tools were recorded and the seed system was essentially informal. The use of inert substances, chemical insecticides and insect repellent/insecticidal plants to control storage insects has been reported in the study area. Farmers noted a differential susceptibility of common bean landraces to storage insect pest. Our findings showed that there is an urgent need of development of integrated bean storage insect management strategies. Key words: Constraints, common bean, insect pests, seed system, varietal diversity.