This study set out to identify plants and recipes used by herbalists in the municipalities of Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and to characterize the distribution of their knowledge. An ethn...This study set out to identify plants and recipes used by herbalists in the municipalities of Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and to characterize the distribution of their knowledge. An ethno-pharmacological survey was carried out in which informants who agreed freely were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 85 herbalists were surveyed. The data were processed with Microsoft Excel to calculate the relative frequencies of citation of the various species mentioned by the herbalists and various indices including Simpson’s Index were adapted to test the distribution of their knowledge. Multiple regression and correspondence analysis were performed using R studio. Our results revealed that the Dendi, Ifè and Mina, all equitable in their knowledge of anti-ulcer plants, are likely to know more than the other ethnic groups. On the other hand, respondents practicing Islam are more likely to know many antiulcer plants than those practicing Vodoun and Christianity. This constant distribution of knowledge of anti-ulcer plants among the Dendi, Ifè and Mina, three different ethnic groups seems normal and attests to the fusion between these different ethnic groups in view of this knowledge. A total of 70 anti-ulcer recipes, made from 71 species of medicinal plants or non-floristic resources were recorded. Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa and Ocimum gratissimum were the top 03 most frequently cited in descending order of frequency. All the species cited are grouped into 44 botanical families among which the Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Sapotaceae were strongly represented. Benin’s flora abounds in a diversity of medicinal plant species known to herbalists in Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou for the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers. The results of this study constitute a good archive for the selection of plant species for in-depth studies with a view to formulating improved traditional medicines for gastrointestinal ulcers.展开更多
The World Health Organization states that foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Although street foods can provide nutritious and affordable ready-to-eat meals for city dwellers, their health risks ca...The World Health Organization states that foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Although street foods can provide nutritious and affordable ready-to-eat meals for city dwellers, their health risks can outweigh the benefits. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bamako district, focusing on street food vendors near schools, universities, extensive markets, administrative centers, and major roads. We aimed to sample fifty (50) sellers per municipality, making 300 sellers for the Bamako district. We developed a survey sheet to collect data, and six teams rotated between the municipalities each month. Before starting the collection, the teams were provided administrative papers approved by the municipal authority. The survey revealed three types of sales sites: fixed (65%), semi-fixed (30%), and mobile (4.40%). The proportion of sellers was 26.8%, 23.2%, 19.7%, and 4.2% in municipalities III, IV, and I. In municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively, 92%, 95.70%, 93%, 87.2%, and 100% of the sellers were female. The age distribution of sellers was 65.63%, 46.81%, 40.82%, 38.30%, 36.17%, 36%, and 32% in the 25-34 and 35 - 44 age groups. Illiteracy rates were 59.20%, 61.70%, 55.30%, 75%, and 56% in municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively. The study identified two categories of sellers: 48.3% in type 1 and 51.7% in type 2. The first category comprised 154 sellers, and the second 165 sellers. The survey found that 66.00%, 56.00%, 48.90%, 44.90%, 38.30%, and 34.40% of municipal V, VI, III, I, II, and IV sales sites were open-air. In municipality I, 63.30% of the sites were under hangars, while in municipalities II and IV, the corresponding percentages were 51.10% and 59.40%, respectively. Moreover, 46.00%, 31.90%, 31.30%, 30.60%, and 27.70% of the sites in municipalities VI, II, IV, I, and III were located next to gutters. In conclusion, this study identified several factors that could compromise the quality of street foods sold in the six municipalities of Bamako.展开更多
Excessive use of mineral fertilizers in maize farming negatively affects farmers’ income and impacts long-term soil health. This study aims to appreciate the effectiveness of biostimulant based on native Glomeraceae ...Excessive use of mineral fertilizers in maize farming negatively affects farmers’ income and impacts long-term soil health. This study aims to appreciate the effectiveness of biostimulant based on native Glomeraceae arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the production and uptake of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium of maize (Zea mays L.) plants in central Benin. The trials were set up in a farming environment with thirty-four producers. The experimental design was composed of three treatments installed at 34 producers. Three growth parameters were evaluated on 60 ème days after sowing. Grain yield, nutritional status of maize plants and mycorrhization parameters were determined at harvest. The results showed that the Glomeraceae + 50% NPK (NPK: azote-phosphore-potassium)_Urea treatment improved the height, the crown diameter and the leaf area by 17.85%, 21.79% and 28.32% compared to the absolute control and by 0.41%, 1.11% and 1.46% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment, respectively. Similarly, grain yield improved by 45.87% with the use of Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea compared to the absolute control and by 3.96% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment. The Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea significantly improved the phosphorus and potassium uptake of maize plants. With respect to nitrogen uptake, no statistical difference was observed between treatments. The mycorrhizae strains used improved root infection in the maize plants. We recorded 66% frequency and 40.5% intensity of mycorrhization. The biostimulant based on indigenous Glomeraceae combined with 50% NPK_Urea can be used as a strategy to restore soil health and improve maize productivity in Benin.展开更多
The application of biostimulants in agriculture represents an environmentally friendly alternative while increasing agricultural production. The aims of the study were to develop solid biostimulants based on five rhiz...The application of biostimulants in agriculture represents an environmentally friendly alternative while increasing agricultural production. The aims of the study were to develop solid biostimulants based on five rhizobacteria native to Benin’s soils and to evaluate their efficacy on the growth and biomass yield of maize under greenhouse conditions on ferrallitic and ferruginous soils. Clay and peat were used as a conservation binder for the preparation of the biostimulants. These binders were used alone or combined in the different formulations with maize flour and sucrose. 10 g of biostimulants were applied at sowing in pots containing five kilograms of sterilised soil. The experimental design was a completely randomised block of 24 treatments with three replicates. The results obtained showed significant improvements (<em>P</em> < 0.001) in height (49.49%), stem diameter (32.7%), leaf area (66.10%), above-ground biomass (97.12%) and below-ground biomass (53.98%) on ferrallitic soil with the application of the clay + <em>Pseudomonas putida</em> biostimulant compared to the control. On the other hand, the use of the peat biostimulant + <em>Pseudomonas syringae</em> was more beneficial for plant growth on ferruginous soil. The height, stem diameter, leaf area, above-ground biomass and below-ground biomass of the plants under the influence of this biostimulant were improved by 83.06%, 44.57%, 102.94%, 86.84% and 42.68%, respectively, compared to the control. Therefore, these results confirm that Rhizobacteria express their potential through biostimulants formulated on maize. The formulated biostimulants can later be used by producers to improve crop productivity for sustainable agriculture.展开更多
In Benin, the preservation of maize is a real problem involving important physical and chemical properties losses. Physical losses are due by rodents, pests and insects and chemical losses are mainly due to fungal inf...In Benin, the preservation of maize is a real problem involving important physical and chemical properties losses. Physical losses are due by rodents, pests and insects and chemical losses are mainly due to fungal infection. Several methods, products and practices are used by farmers to overcome these problems. The methods used do not always control the losses caused by fungal infection. The objective of the study was to make a bibliographic synthesis of the impacts induced by the items, practices and methods used to overcome the chemical losses of maize. In the search for information, the library of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries was consulted;the archives of the library of the University of Abomey-Calavi and the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin were also consulted. Thus, chemicals such as sofagrain, Pyrimiphos-Methyl, Thiamethoxam, Pyrimiphos-Methyl, Permethrin, Deltamethrin, fumigant are used to control physical attacks on maize. Ash and plants species such as neem tree (<em>Azadirachta indica</em>) are generally used for the preservation and storage of maize seeds. In addition, chemicals such as arsenious anhydride and zinc phosphide are used for the preservation of corn. The use of these molecules and chemical products has negative impacts on human health and the environment. Of all the methods used, no treatment is still popularized for the reduction of the chemical losses caused by the fungal infection in corn storage.展开更多
Cholera is re-emerging as an infectious disease with an increase in its overall incidence in Africa since 2008. To analyze the epidemiological aspects of the cholera outbreak in endemic areas in Benin. The study is a ...Cholera is re-emerging as an infectious disease with an increase in its overall incidence in Africa since 2008. To analyze the epidemiological aspects of the cholera outbreak in endemic areas in Benin. The study is a retrospective investigation on 2560 data of cholera patients received in health facilities from 2012 to 2016 in Benin. Besides, a prospective study was conducted. This prospective study includes 513 person (health professionals, community workers and people exposed to cholera) of five different areas of the country. It was conducted from April 10 to May 10, 2017. A survey was conducted over 513 in order to collect data on cholera symptoms, hygiene guidelines suggested by the respondents, excreta disposal, drinking water, household waste management and direct observation. Software R 3.4.0 was used for simple correspondence factor analysis (CFA). From 2012 to 2016, 16.48% of samples were taken and 48.34% were positive for <i>Vibrio cholera</i> O1, <i>El Tor biotype</i>, <i>Ogawa serotypes</i>. The Littoral area is leading in the number of cases (33.83%) followed by Atlantic (23.75%), Ouémé (16.79%) and Colline (8.91%). The survey revealed that the exposed populations are unaware of the symptoms of cholera and do not perceive the quality of drinking water as a strong guidance in the prevention of cholera. Nevertheless, the majority of respondents (86%) are aware for the best times to wash their hands and know that they need to go to hospital in case of symptoms. Our study highlights the persistence of vulnerability factors to cholera in the targeted population, despite a good knowledge of prevention rules among staff and the population.展开更多
Objective: The study aims to investigate some physical and technological parameters of varieties of maize collected from the most representative areas of maize production in the southern part of Benin, and mainly used...Objective: The study aims to investigate some physical and technological parameters of varieties of maize collected from the most representative areas of maize production in the southern part of Benin, and mainly used by the populations of those areas. Method: The chemical composition, physical and technological characteristics of the grains were determined using standard methods. Results: The results showed that the weight of 1000 grains ranges from 158.01 to 305.12 g, the length from 0.79 to 1.81 cm, the average width from 0.74 to 1.51 cm, thickness from 0.36 to 0.85 cm and density from 1.07 to 1.25. Regarding the technological parameters, the hardness of the grains before and after cooking was between 16.78 and 47.20 kgf, and 0.23 and 0.71 kgf respectively, while the cooking time varies from 71.00 and 158.33 mn. There was a positive and significant correlation (r = 0.405;p < 0.026) between the hardness after cooking and the weight of 1000 grains, between the hardness after cooking and grain width (r = 0.460;p < 0.011). A positive and highly significant correlation (r = 0.527, p < 0.003) was also observed between the hardness after cooking and the grain length, between the hardness after cooking and the thickness of grain (r = 0.476, p < 0.008), and between the grain density and the weight of 1000 grains (r = 0.481, p < 0.007). A positive and highly significant correlation (r = 0.923, p < 0.000) was also observed between maize grain length and width, and between grain length and grain thickness (r = 0.764, p < 0.000) and between the width and thickness (r = 0.764, p < 0.000). On the other hand, a significant negative correlation (r = -0.394, p < 0.031) was found between the hardness before cooking and the thickness and between the hardness before cooking and sphericity index (r = -0465*, p Conclusion: Through its chemical and technological characteristics the maize constitutes an important raw material for many culinary recipes in West African region.展开更多
Maize (Zea mays L.) is the major cereal cultivated in Benin and it is important to know its genetic diversity to improve the yield. The genetic markers of important traits are evaluated in order to improve the maize i...Maize (Zea mays L.) is the major cereal cultivated in Benin and it is important to know its genetic diversity to improve the yield. The genetic markers of important traits are evaluated in order to improve the maize inbred lines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Benin’s maize accessions by SSR marker. Thus, one hundred eighty seven maize accessions from three areas (South, Center and North) were analyzed using three SSR markers. A total of 227 polymorphic bands were produced and showed high genetic diversity (Shannon index = 0.51). The polymorphic information content (PIC) values for the SSR loci ranged from 0.58 to 0.81, with an average of 0.71. Genetic distance-based UPGMA dendrogram showed a genetic differentiation between accessions and they were grouped into four clusters in each area. This work provides necessary information that can be used not only to improve the maize production and conservation but also to better manage genetic species resources in Benin.展开更多
文摘This study set out to identify plants and recipes used by herbalists in the municipalities of Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou to treat gastrointestinal ulcers and to characterize the distribution of their knowledge. An ethno-pharmacological survey was carried out in which informants who agreed freely were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 85 herbalists were surveyed. The data were processed with Microsoft Excel to calculate the relative frequencies of citation of the various species mentioned by the herbalists and various indices including Simpson’s Index were adapted to test the distribution of their knowledge. Multiple regression and correspondence analysis were performed using R studio. Our results revealed that the Dendi, Ifè and Mina, all equitable in their knowledge of anti-ulcer plants, are likely to know more than the other ethnic groups. On the other hand, respondents practicing Islam are more likely to know many antiulcer plants than those practicing Vodoun and Christianity. This constant distribution of knowledge of anti-ulcer plants among the Dendi, Ifè and Mina, three different ethnic groups seems normal and attests to the fusion between these different ethnic groups in view of this knowledge. A total of 70 anti-ulcer recipes, made from 71 species of medicinal plants or non-floristic resources were recorded. Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa and Ocimum gratissimum were the top 03 most frequently cited in descending order of frequency. All the species cited are grouped into 44 botanical families among which the Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Sapotaceae were strongly represented. Benin’s flora abounds in a diversity of medicinal plant species known to herbalists in Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou for the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers. The results of this study constitute a good archive for the selection of plant species for in-depth studies with a view to formulating improved traditional medicines for gastrointestinal ulcers.
文摘The World Health Organization states that foodborne diseases are a worldwide public health issue. Although street foods can provide nutritious and affordable ready-to-eat meals for city dwellers, their health risks can outweigh the benefits. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Bamako district, focusing on street food vendors near schools, universities, extensive markets, administrative centers, and major roads. We aimed to sample fifty (50) sellers per municipality, making 300 sellers for the Bamako district. We developed a survey sheet to collect data, and six teams rotated between the municipalities each month. Before starting the collection, the teams were provided administrative papers approved by the municipal authority. The survey revealed three types of sales sites: fixed (65%), semi-fixed (30%), and mobile (4.40%). The proportion of sellers was 26.8%, 23.2%, 19.7%, and 4.2% in municipalities III, IV, and I. In municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively, 92%, 95.70%, 93%, 87.2%, and 100% of the sellers were female. The age distribution of sellers was 65.63%, 46.81%, 40.82%, 38.30%, 36.17%, 36%, and 32% in the 25-34 and 35 - 44 age groups. Illiteracy rates were 59.20%, 61.70%, 55.30%, 75%, and 56% in municipalities I, II, III, IV, and VI, respectively. The study identified two categories of sellers: 48.3% in type 1 and 51.7% in type 2. The first category comprised 154 sellers, and the second 165 sellers. The survey found that 66.00%, 56.00%, 48.90%, 44.90%, 38.30%, and 34.40% of municipal V, VI, III, I, II, and IV sales sites were open-air. In municipality I, 63.30% of the sites were under hangars, while in municipalities II and IV, the corresponding percentages were 51.10% and 59.40%, respectively. Moreover, 46.00%, 31.90%, 31.30%, 30.60%, and 27.70% of the sites in municipalities VI, II, IV, I, and III were located next to gutters. In conclusion, this study identified several factors that could compromise the quality of street foods sold in the six municipalities of Bamako.
文摘Excessive use of mineral fertilizers in maize farming negatively affects farmers’ income and impacts long-term soil health. This study aims to appreciate the effectiveness of biostimulant based on native Glomeraceae arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the production and uptake of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium of maize (Zea mays L.) plants in central Benin. The trials were set up in a farming environment with thirty-four producers. The experimental design was composed of three treatments installed at 34 producers. Three growth parameters were evaluated on 60 ème days after sowing. Grain yield, nutritional status of maize plants and mycorrhization parameters were determined at harvest. The results showed that the Glomeraceae + 50% NPK (NPK: azote-phosphore-potassium)_Urea treatment improved the height, the crown diameter and the leaf area by 17.85%, 21.79% and 28.32% compared to the absolute control and by 0.41%, 1.11% and 1.46% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment, respectively. Similarly, grain yield improved by 45.87% with the use of Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea compared to the absolute control and by 3.96% compared to the 100% NPK_Urea treatment. The Glomeraceae + 50% NPK_Urea significantly improved the phosphorus and potassium uptake of maize plants. With respect to nitrogen uptake, no statistical difference was observed between treatments. The mycorrhizae strains used improved root infection in the maize plants. We recorded 66% frequency and 40.5% intensity of mycorrhization. The biostimulant based on indigenous Glomeraceae combined with 50% NPK_Urea can be used as a strategy to restore soil health and improve maize productivity in Benin.
文摘The application of biostimulants in agriculture represents an environmentally friendly alternative while increasing agricultural production. The aims of the study were to develop solid biostimulants based on five rhizobacteria native to Benin’s soils and to evaluate their efficacy on the growth and biomass yield of maize under greenhouse conditions on ferrallitic and ferruginous soils. Clay and peat were used as a conservation binder for the preparation of the biostimulants. These binders were used alone or combined in the different formulations with maize flour and sucrose. 10 g of biostimulants were applied at sowing in pots containing five kilograms of sterilised soil. The experimental design was a completely randomised block of 24 treatments with three replicates. The results obtained showed significant improvements (<em>P</em> < 0.001) in height (49.49%), stem diameter (32.7%), leaf area (66.10%), above-ground biomass (97.12%) and below-ground biomass (53.98%) on ferrallitic soil with the application of the clay + <em>Pseudomonas putida</em> biostimulant compared to the control. On the other hand, the use of the peat biostimulant + <em>Pseudomonas syringae</em> was more beneficial for plant growth on ferruginous soil. The height, stem diameter, leaf area, above-ground biomass and below-ground biomass of the plants under the influence of this biostimulant were improved by 83.06%, 44.57%, 102.94%, 86.84% and 42.68%, respectively, compared to the control. Therefore, these results confirm that Rhizobacteria express their potential through biostimulants formulated on maize. The formulated biostimulants can later be used by producers to improve crop productivity for sustainable agriculture.
文摘In Benin, the preservation of maize is a real problem involving important physical and chemical properties losses. Physical losses are due by rodents, pests and insects and chemical losses are mainly due to fungal infection. Several methods, products and practices are used by farmers to overcome these problems. The methods used do not always control the losses caused by fungal infection. The objective of the study was to make a bibliographic synthesis of the impacts induced by the items, practices and methods used to overcome the chemical losses of maize. In the search for information, the library of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries was consulted;the archives of the library of the University of Abomey-Calavi and the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin were also consulted. Thus, chemicals such as sofagrain, Pyrimiphos-Methyl, Thiamethoxam, Pyrimiphos-Methyl, Permethrin, Deltamethrin, fumigant are used to control physical attacks on maize. Ash and plants species such as neem tree (<em>Azadirachta indica</em>) are generally used for the preservation and storage of maize seeds. In addition, chemicals such as arsenious anhydride and zinc phosphide are used for the preservation of corn. The use of these molecules and chemical products has negative impacts on human health and the environment. Of all the methods used, no treatment is still popularized for the reduction of the chemical losses caused by the fungal infection in corn storage.
文摘Cholera is re-emerging as an infectious disease with an increase in its overall incidence in Africa since 2008. To analyze the epidemiological aspects of the cholera outbreak in endemic areas in Benin. The study is a retrospective investigation on 2560 data of cholera patients received in health facilities from 2012 to 2016 in Benin. Besides, a prospective study was conducted. This prospective study includes 513 person (health professionals, community workers and people exposed to cholera) of five different areas of the country. It was conducted from April 10 to May 10, 2017. A survey was conducted over 513 in order to collect data on cholera symptoms, hygiene guidelines suggested by the respondents, excreta disposal, drinking water, household waste management and direct observation. Software R 3.4.0 was used for simple correspondence factor analysis (CFA). From 2012 to 2016, 16.48% of samples were taken and 48.34% were positive for <i>Vibrio cholera</i> O1, <i>El Tor biotype</i>, <i>Ogawa serotypes</i>. The Littoral area is leading in the number of cases (33.83%) followed by Atlantic (23.75%), Ouémé (16.79%) and Colline (8.91%). The survey revealed that the exposed populations are unaware of the symptoms of cholera and do not perceive the quality of drinking water as a strong guidance in the prevention of cholera. Nevertheless, the majority of respondents (86%) are aware for the best times to wash their hands and know that they need to go to hospital in case of symptoms. Our study highlights the persistence of vulnerability factors to cholera in the targeted population, despite a good knowledge of prevention rules among staff and the population.
文摘Objective: The study aims to investigate some physical and technological parameters of varieties of maize collected from the most representative areas of maize production in the southern part of Benin, and mainly used by the populations of those areas. Method: The chemical composition, physical and technological characteristics of the grains were determined using standard methods. Results: The results showed that the weight of 1000 grains ranges from 158.01 to 305.12 g, the length from 0.79 to 1.81 cm, the average width from 0.74 to 1.51 cm, thickness from 0.36 to 0.85 cm and density from 1.07 to 1.25. Regarding the technological parameters, the hardness of the grains before and after cooking was between 16.78 and 47.20 kgf, and 0.23 and 0.71 kgf respectively, while the cooking time varies from 71.00 and 158.33 mn. There was a positive and significant correlation (r = 0.405;p < 0.026) between the hardness after cooking and the weight of 1000 grains, between the hardness after cooking and grain width (r = 0.460;p < 0.011). A positive and highly significant correlation (r = 0.527, p < 0.003) was also observed between the hardness after cooking and the grain length, between the hardness after cooking and the thickness of grain (r = 0.476, p < 0.008), and between the grain density and the weight of 1000 grains (r = 0.481, p < 0.007). A positive and highly significant correlation (r = 0.923, p < 0.000) was also observed between maize grain length and width, and between grain length and grain thickness (r = 0.764, p < 0.000) and between the width and thickness (r = 0.764, p < 0.000). On the other hand, a significant negative correlation (r = -0.394, p < 0.031) was found between the hardness before cooking and the thickness and between the hardness before cooking and sphericity index (r = -0465*, p Conclusion: Through its chemical and technological characteristics the maize constitutes an important raw material for many culinary recipes in West African region.
文摘Maize (Zea mays L.) is the major cereal cultivated in Benin and it is important to know its genetic diversity to improve the yield. The genetic markers of important traits are evaluated in order to improve the maize inbred lines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Benin’s maize accessions by SSR marker. Thus, one hundred eighty seven maize accessions from three areas (South, Center and North) were analyzed using three SSR markers. A total of 227 polymorphic bands were produced and showed high genetic diversity (Shannon index = 0.51). The polymorphic information content (PIC) values for the SSR loci ranged from 0.58 to 0.81, with an average of 0.71. Genetic distance-based UPGMA dendrogram showed a genetic differentiation between accessions and they were grouped into four clusters in each area. This work provides necessary information that can be used not only to improve the maize production and conservation but also to better manage genetic species resources in Benin.
