Perception of oil palm producers on infestations of Trabanta rufisquamata defoliating caterpillars in palm groves in southern Benin

The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is cultivated in Benin Republic for its economic importance. However, since 2016, it has been heavily attacked by Trabanta rusfiquamata (Notodontidea Lepidoptera), a defoliating caterpillar. The present study aimed to study producers’ perceptions on this new oil palm pest in Benin. Informations were provided on pest recognition, the damage caused and its impact as well as the control methods used by producers for it management. A survey was conducted in southern Benin in the agricultural development pole (PDA) 6 and 7 representing oil palm production areas in Benin. A total of 120 oil palm producers randomly selected from the municipalities of Adja-Ouèrè, Sakété and Pobè (PDA 6), and 110 producers from the municipalities of Allada, Toffo and Bonou (PDA 7), were individually surveyed. As results, 76% of the producers surveyed recognised the pest T. rufisquamata as the main defoliator of oil palms. An estimate of the oil palm plantations defoliated between 2016 and 2022 in Bonou and Adja-Ouèrè indicated a high presence of this pest with average defoliated areas of 23.21 ha and 11.33 ha respectively. Chemical control has been widely used by producers for the pest control. About 46.91% of producers used chemical products, compared to 48.14% of producers who have taken no action. Various registered and non authorised synthetic chemicals (pesticides) with main active ingredients are: Emamectin Benzoate, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, Acetamiprid and Lambda-Cyhalothrin were used with. This study has shown the need of improving producers’ knowledge in the different development stages of T. rufisquamata in other to develop appropriate control methods while improving production in the oil palm sector in Benin.