We investigated how Beauveria bassiana isolate origin and maize genotype affect endophytic colonization and suppression of the Fall armyworm (FAW). The objectives were to determine whether isolate origin (insect or soil-derived) influences colonization across maize tissues, assess the role of four genotypes (two landraces and two improved lines), and evaluate FAW fitness on colonized plants. Three indigenous isolates, two insect-derived (Bb11, Bb115) and one soil-derived (DL1.1), were applied to four maize genotypes. These included two landraces (Kokoli Daneri, Ovinonboe) and two improved varieties (Faaba QPM, TZL Composite 4W Benin). Inoculation was performed using foliar spraying and seed coating. Colonization declined over time but varied significantly with isolate, genotype, and tissue type (p < 0.0001). Insect-derived isolates achieved higher colonization, particularly in stems and roots of landraces, indicating genotype-dependent compatibility. Bb115 achieved systemic colonization in Kokoli Daneri leaves at 7 days after inoculation. Feeding assays showed that FAW larvae fed on colonized plants had reduced survival, lower larval and pupal weights, and reduced adult fecundity and emergence. FAW fitness was assessed using corrected larval mortality, larval and pupal weight and size, adult emergence, and reproduction (adult emergence, fecundity). The reduction of fitness remained moderate and was more pronounced in landrace and insect isolate combinations. These results emphasize the importance of fungal isolate, maize genotype, inoculation method, and timing in enhancing endophytic biocontrol.

Simultaneous tolerance of cowpea landraces and improved varieties to two key insect pests Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom and Maruca vitrata Fabricius was assessed during the major rainy season of 2022 (May to August) through their phenotypic traits. Sixteen varieties were sown at the field campus of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Benin station. These varieties were arranged in a balanced lattice design with 20 blocks, 5 replicates and 4 varieties per block. Population densities and damage of M. sjostedti and M. vitrata as well as grain yield, were recorded. Data were processed using the Analysis of Variance and Multiple Correspondence Analysis. The highest M. sjostedti population density was observed in the local variety Kan avo (40.27 ± 8.40 per flower), although high levels of damage were recorded in most of the tested varieties. The population density of M. vitrata was highest in flowers of IT 84 S-2246-4 (3.40 ± 0.46 larvae/flower) compared with those of Kan avo (1.07 ± 0.12 larvae/flower), Swi Gué (1.13 ± 0.33 larvae/flower) and Kounado (1.33 ± 0.28 larvae/flower). However, flowers damage caused by M. vitrata larvae was higher in IT 84 S-2246-4 compared to Kounado and Kan avo. The variety Swi Yanti Swan also recorded the highest yield, which was significantly greater than those of Swi Gué, Kounado, and Tchawé Kpèvi. Considering their overall performance combined with the results of Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), the varieties Vidé, IT 86D-1057, Kpodjiguegue and IT 07 K-292-10 were found to be simultaneously tolerant to both M. sjostedti, and M. vitrata with high yield despite high pest densities and substantial damage. Moreover, the local variety Kan avo exhibited a kind of resistance through antibiosis mechanism against the two pest species with low pests density and damage associated with high seeds yield. These varieties could therefore be incorporated into an integrated cowpea pest management strategy.

Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), commonly referred to as the cowpea pod borer, poses a significant threat to cowpea production in Burkina Faso with yield losses exceeding 80

This study examines farmers' knowledge and perceptions of damage caused by fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda), reports their estimated production losses in southern Benin between 2020 and 2022, and investigates the factors that influenced pest management decisions. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 242 farmers across two agroecological zones of southern Benin from September to December 2023. About 93 % of farmers had broad knowledge of FAW, and 95 % believed they had been affected by infestations and considered the pest dangerous. However, 41 % misinterpreted the timing of FAW attacks, believing that the insect emerged and caused damage only at the mature stage of maize. As a result, synthetic insecticides were frequently applied after significant damage had already occurred. Infestation levels varied across zones: farmers in the Guinean zone reported relatively low infestation (20 %), while those in the Sudano-Guinean zone reported higher levels (40 %), especially in 2021. Yield losses were estimated at 20-40 % during this period. In terms of management, 73 % of farmers relied on synthetic insecticides, 2.5 % adopted cultural practices, 11.6 % used no control methods, and only 1.2 % applied botanical extracts. Further analysis revealed that the choice of FAW control measures was significantly influenced by years of maize farming experience (P < 0.002), financial means (P < 0.001), and to a lesser extent, perceptions of control method effectiveness (P < 0.068). These findings showed that although farmers are aware of FAW, misperceptions about its biology and timing of insecticide application remain problematic. To reduce yield losses, extension programs should prioritize training on the biology of FAW, timing of chemical applications, and consider the aforementioned factors when promoting management practices for FAW control in Benin and similar agroecological contexts.

Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanaceae), is one of the most economically and nutritionally important vegetable crops in Benin. However, its production is severely constrained by a range of insect pests, resulting in significant yield losses. To support the development of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies adapted to local farming systems, it is essential to understand farmers’ perceptions, knowledge, and pest management practices. A field survey was conducted among 652 tomato farmers across 12 communes using participatory rural appraisal tools. The results showed that the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was recognized by 52.67

Adaptability of soybean varieties to three different agroecological zones and seed purity were assessed in soybean varieties/accessions in Benin in the framework of getting phenotypic traits to be considered for seed system improvement. Multilocation trials involving 16 known soybean varieties were carried out for identifying phenotypic traits. Varieties were arranged in a balanced lattice design 2 & times; 20 blocks. Phenotypic parameters measured included germination rate, yield, weight of 1000 seeds and length of the development cycle. Seeds purity assement involved 13 varieties and 30 collected accesssions. Twenty-five (25) microsatellite markers (SSRs) were selected. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) or molecular analysis of variance (MAV) and Principal Component Analysis (PCoA) were performed to process data. Results showed that seeds germnation rate varied with agroecological zones. Combination of results from ANOVA and PCoA revealed that TGx 1448-2E was the most performed variety across the three agro-ecological zones, while varieties TGx1935 -10E and TGx1987-62F performed well within two agro-ecological zones. Genetic study revealed a fixation index (F) of 0.66 for all polymorphic markers. Purity analysis with Satt411 showed that 46.67% of the 30 accessions were mixtures of different genotypes. Resultsa were discussed with regard to soybean adaptability to Guinean Congolean and Soudano-Guinean climates and quality seed delivery system in Benin.

BackgroundPearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) production has decreased over the years due to several constraints, including insect pest attacks, which contribute to its status as neglected and underutilized species in Benin. In order to develop an integrated pest management strategy, we documented farmers' post-harvest conservation practices, perceptions, and management of storage insect pests. Four hundred millet producers were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire in 76 villages in northern Benin. The entomofauna associated with stored pearl millet was identified by extracting samples from farmers' storage structures and incubating them for a month in the laboratory.ResultsOur results showed that farmers perceived insect pests as the most important constraint to pearl millet storage. Vernacular taxonomy and local nomenclature of insect pests of stored pearl millet varied among sociolinguistic groups. Four species of insects were associated with stored millet with the weevils Sitophilus oryzae L. and Sitophilus zeamais L. as the most important ones. Three storage structures (attic, bedroom, and store) and a storage tool (polypropylene bags) were inventoried. Synthetic chemical insecticides were the most commonly used method for protecting stored millet. Also, farmers employed four plants that repel and kill insects to safeguard stored pearl millet. A differential sensitivity of pearl millet varieties to storage insect attacks was reported with four potential resistant varieties. Some factors that influence the use of a pest management method were determined.ConclusionsThe development of an integrated pest management needs to test the sensitivity of resistant varieties and the bioactivity of recorded insecticidal plants. The farmers' perception suggests that the Souhoun n'nin gberenou landrace and the usage of bark of A. senegalensis and leaves of A. indica are the best ways to preserve millet for a long time. Raising awareness among pearl millet producers on good storage practices and the biological management of storage insect pests were recommended. Factors that influence the use of pest management methods must be integrated into the development of national strategies.

In the Republic of Benin, entomophagy is practiced in some regions and contributes to the food security and poverty reduction. However, insect farming is poorly developed and wild capture remains the main source of edible insects. This capture practice can pose health and environmental risks and raises questions about the sustainable use of edible insects as a food source. Therefore, the objective of this study was to document farmers' perceptions and knowledge of the benefits and environmental risks associated with wild-caught edible insects in order to formulate recommendations for their conservation and sustainable use. Surveys were conducted with 225 farmers from 33 villages and belonging to 6 socio-linguistic groups were performed using rural appraisal tools. The surveyed participants listed 21 main species of edible insects with a diversity of species observed in the agro-ecological zones studied. The surveyed farmers also identified environmental risks, including, soil degradation, pollution by synthetic chemical pesticides, flooding and destruction of natural habitats, while endangered species and bioaccumulation of chemicals were the most important constraints of edible insects in the study zone. In terms of benefits, most farmers highlighted those edible insects reduce pollutant gas emissions by releasing less carbon dioxide than other livestock. Edible insects also support biodegradation activities, and the recycling of organic waste into biofertilizers. Farmers also mentioned that they conserve wild edible insect populations while preserving their regenerative capacity to avoid species overexploitation. Factors influencing the socio-environmental aspects of edible insect use need to be taken into account in strategies to encourage farmers to promote sustainable edible insect collection practices. These results contribute to decision-making on the environmental safety in terms of entomophagy in Benin.

In Benin, protection of maize against storage insect pests remains a major challenge and motivates maize growers to rely on synthetic chemicals. The overuse/misuse of such compounds can lead to high residue levels and potential health risks. This current study was designed to assess insecticide residues in stored maize in Southern and Central Benin. Thirty-five (35) samples of shelled, husked and dehusked maize were collected in both areas especially in seven major maize production municipalities namely Adjohoun, Aplahoue Djidja Ketou, Lokossa, Ouesse and Toffo. Samples were taken from different types of storage structures in five villages (one sample per village) in each municipality. Both villages and growers were selected randomly. Chemical residues were extracted using the QuEChERS method with 4 replicates while analysis was performed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with an Ultra-Violet spectrophotometer technique for the four commonly applied chemicals on stored maize in the study area. Residues of Pirimiphos-methyl, Aluminium phosphide and Permethrin were found in 80-100, 40-100, and 0-100% of the samples collected, respectively, but none contained Lambda-Cyhalothrin. In total, 97% of the samples contained at least one of the pesticides tested, and 94% contained at least one of the pesticides tested at a concentration above the European Union international standard (Maximum residual limits) (MRL). Of these, 77%, 91% and 14% of the samples contained residues above the MRL for aluminum phosphide, pirimiphos-methyl and permethrin, respectively. Data were discussed with regard to potential human health concerns.

The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a new serious destructive and widespread pest of corn which recently invaded subtropical regions worldwide. As this invasive species is spreading across the continent, it is vital to assess its susceptibility to currently used insecticides and establish the potential underlying resistance mechanism to better inform control programmes. In this study, we characterized the strains from eighteen fall armyworm populations from different countries in West Africa, established their susceptibility profiles to the main insecticides and genotyped the target site resistance alleles. The RFLP-PCR method showed that the majority of the population tested was a corn strain (72.5-100%) compared to the probable rice strain (0-27.5%). Tpi sequencing of the suspected rice strains revealed that almost all the samples analysed were from corn (> 97%). Additionally, the three insecticides tested, λ-cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos and emamectin benzoate induced susceptible to moderate toxicity against this pest. Synergism tests performed to investigate the biochemical mechanism used by fall armyworm to breakdown λ-cyhalothrin indicated that metabolic enzymes (oxydases, esterase and the glutathion-S-transferase) play moderate roles in the resistance of λ-cyhalothrin observed in western Africa. Target mutation tests (qPCR) combined with previous synergetic tests showed that resistance to organophosphates and pyrethroids could be due to a biochemical mechanism + amino acid mutations (presence of the F290V mutation) or a biochemical mechanism (absence of the T929I mutation), respectively. The results of this study provide valuable information for supporting decisions related to sustainable fall armyworm control and applied resistance management.

This study assessed the host plant selection behavior of female stalk-eyed flies (SEFs) or Diopsis apicalis, where a Y-tube olfactometer was used to compare SEF attraction to the odor of leaves from four rice varieties (ITA306, WAB56-104, CG14, and RAM55). Another step of the evaluation consisted of pairing leaf odors from two rice varieties. Also, potted plants of the tested varieties were displayed in a screened cage and submitted to female SEF selection. The results indicated that the odor produced by leaves from rice varieties CG14, WAB56-104, and ITA306 significantly attracted SEFs, at rates of 81%, 70%, and 97%, respectively, while SEF females were rarely attracted by the odor of leaves from the resistant rice variety RAM55, at a rate of 35%. The results suggested that the use of a Y-tube olfactometer was similar to the use of a screened cage. The resistance exhibited by rice variety CG14 against SEFs is related to an antibiosis interaction acting as bait, while that in RAM55 is an antixenosis one. Farmers can plant the traditional CG14 variety on the edge of rice fields to draw SEFs and poison their larvae. However, RAM55 can be inserted in an intercropping system to repel SEFs from laying eggs. The authors recommend CG14 and RAM55 as candidates for breeding to create resistant lines against SEF.

Background Dinoderus porcellus Lesne (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) is the main pest of stored dried yam chips that causes significant losses in less than 3 months. The assassin bug, Alloeocranum biannulipes (Montrouzier & Signoret) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and the African mahogany (Khaya senegalensis (Desv.) A. Juss. (Meliaceae)), the ackee (Blighia sapida K. Koenig (Sapindaceae)), and bridelia (Bridelia ferruginea Benth. (Euphorbiaceae)) leaf powders have proven to be efficient in the control of this pest. Methods This study aims to evaluate the compatibility of the leaf powders of these medicinal plants and the predator A. biannulipes in the integrated management of D. porcellus under laboratory and farm conditions. Various leaf powders were tested at a concentration of 6% (w/w) with or without the predator. Infested yam chips without any treatment served as negative control and those mixed with a synthetic insecticide as positive control. The mortality rate of D. porcellus was recorded under laboratory conditions. While, the dynamic population of D. porcellus, their damage, and weight loss of yam chips were recorded 8 weeks after treatment under farm conditions. Results The results revealed that no combination of leaf powders and predators could induce complete mortality of D. porcellus like the synthetic insecticide. No significant difference in terms of the survival of A. biannulipes exposed to botanical powders was observed compared to the positive control. Under farm conditions, B. ferruginea leaf powder showed a sub-lethal effect on the predator A. biannulipes and no impact on the abundance of D. porcellus. However, the survival of D. porcellus was significantly reduced by the combination of K. senegalensis leaf powder and A. biannulipes, which did not allow the reproduction of the predator. Conclusions Our results suggest that an augmentative biological control program with the release of A. biannulipes after the introduction of K. senegalensis leaf powder is practicable for the management of D. porcellus in yam chips.

Insect pests, particularly Maruca vitrata, significantly impact cowpea production in West Africa, mainly in Burkina Faso. Although chemical control is commonly used, its drawbacks highlight the need for developing a control strategy that combines alternative methods. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Neem derivatives (oil and aqueous extract of Neem kernel) on the biology of Liragathis javana, a larval parasitoid of M. vitrata. The study was conducted using Neem oil (TopBio) and Neem seed powder. All treatments were repeated 10 times. Neem oil in the mating medium significantly influence the biology of L. javana adults. Exposure of adults to Neem oil resulted in mortality rates of up to 100%. Similarly, Neem oil on the oviposition substrate significantly reduced the rate of parasitism, emergence and larval survival of M. vitrata. The application of aqueous Neem almond extract also had a significant impact on the biology of L. javana. Parasitism and emergence rates of 0% were obtained when aqueous extract was present in the mating medium and applied directly to adults. Considering these results, in an efficient management strategy against M. vitrata, a combination of the parasitoid L. javana and Neem derivatives should be avoided.

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.), despite its nutritional importance, is a neglected and underutilized species in Benin due to numerous constraints, including storage insect infestation by Sitophilus oryzae L. Identifying effective control methods, such as varietal resistance, is necessary to prevent the use of chemical insecticides that harm human and animal health. The effect of seven physical characteristics of the grain (seed shape, colour, texture, coat thickness, length, width and mass of 1000-grain weight) and three secondary metabolites (condensed tannins, flavonoids and total phenolics) on the susceptibility of seven pearl millet landraces to S. oryzae was evaluated in the laboratory. The influence of the examined traits on the resistance parameters in S. oryzae was assessed through correlation, regression and path coefficient analysis. Based on the Dobie susceptibility index, only Somna and Sowaya landraces were classified as resistant to S. oryzae, while Zokpera, Amala koup & egrave;t & egrave;, Gbe & iuml; and Henni-tchir & eacute; were classified as moderately resistant and the white seeded landrace Amala kouhloum & egrave; was classified as susceptible. The adult emergence and damage caused by S. oryzae were negatively and significantly correlated with the flavonoids and total phenol content of the grains. The oviposition of S. oryzae females was strongly (R = 0.828) influenced by the biochemical characteristics of pearl millet seeds. The direct positive influence of seed width on pearl millet resistance to S. oryzae suggests its importance in improving pearl millet seed resistance.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda; (J.E. Smith; Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), is a major threat to maize crop. Although several studies showed that intercropping maize with legumes and good fertilizing of maize can reduce the pest attacks, the synergistic effect of these two approaches was under-studied. The current study aims to assess the synergy between maize-pigeon pea intercropping and low fertilization on FAW larval infestation, maize plant growth, natural enemies, and grain yield. A field experiment was conducted at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Benin station in the district of Abomey-Calavi (6 degrees 24' N, 2 degrees 21' E) for this purpose. Fertilization treatments including three low doses of NPK: 150 kg NPK ha-1 , 150 kg NPK ha-1 + 25 kg ha-1 urea (N: 46 %), 150 kg NPK ha-1 + 50 kg ha-1 urea (N: 46 %), along with a no-fertilization control, were arranged in a complete randomized block design with three replicates. Results showed that applying low NPKS fertilization at 150 kg ha-1 to maize intercropped with Pigeon pea significantly reduced FAW larval density, leaf damage severity, induced the highest height and grain yields while increasing populations of parasitoids. These findings support integrated soil fertility management and demonstrate that companion plant with Pigeon pea can be an effective cultural control strategy for FAW. This method provides a sustainable alternative to synthetic insecticides, promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the extent of use and adoption of bundled climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and climate information service (CIS) in Northern Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyzed farmers' preferences for bundled CSA-climate information (CI) practices that not only promote climate resilience but also address health, gender and social inclusion as drivers of adoption. Using a multivariate probit and multinomial probit method, findings revealed that prioritization based on improved health, gender sensitivity and social inclusivity influences the adoption of CIS, leguminous crop rotation, organic improvement of soil, pest/disease tolerance varieties and stress-tolerance varieties in Ghana. More than one of these technologies is bundled with CI to address water stress and maintain soil moisture while improving crop yields. Adoption and prioritization of technologies were based on age, as older farmers were inclined to pest- and disease-tolerant varieties combined with CI compared to the female farmers. The multivariate probit model is used to assess the differential adoption of CSA technologies in the study area.FindingsAccess to CI, leguminous crop as a previous crop to a main crop, organic soil amendment, pest- and disease-tolerant varieties and drought- and stress-tolerant varieties are highly adopted and prioritized by the farmers in Northern Ghana. The findings of this study also revealed a differential adoption of CSA technologies, and this difference is driven by the age of a farmer, as labor-intensive technologies are less adopted by older farmers.Research limitations/implicationsPest- and disease-tolerant varieties combined with CI require fewer labor days with less cost compared to other pest and disease control measures. This is critical, as the gap in CSA-CIS knowledge emanates from a lack of awareness of the appropriate usage of these technologies. Bundled CSA-CIS technologies in Northern Ghana require appropriate location-specific and age-differential-driven products developed around sustainable financing scheme with private sector involvement.Practical implicationsThere is a need to identify less labor-driven CSA-CI technologies and services to address both age and gender roles. This will enhance the use and adoption of bundled CSA-CI technologies.Social implicationsThis study addresses the needs of gender and age differential in technology use and adoption among smallholder farmers in Northern Ghana.Originality/valueThis study is original and has not been conducted elsewhere.

Rice production in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces significant challenges due to insect pest infestations, which threaten food security and farmer livelihoods. This review examines the major insect pests affecting rice in SSA and highlights sustainable management strategies, drawing on successful case studies. It explores successful methods, including the use of biological control agents in Nigeria; neem-based pesticides in Tanzania; push-pull technology in Kenya; agroecological practices in Mali; resistant rice varieties in Ghana and Nigeria; integrated farming systems in Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Nigeria, Kenya and Madagascar; and farmer field schools in Zambia. Emerging technologies such as biotechnology and precision agriculture offer further additional opportunities to enhance pest control when effectively integrated within existing IPM frameworks. However, financial constraints, limited awareness, policy-related challenges, and inadequate infrastructure continue to limit widespread adoption. In this context, the review identifies critical research gaps, including the need for region-specific solutions, improved biopesticides, and long-term assessment of sustainable practices. Policy recommendations call for greater government investments, capacity-building programs, supportive regulatory environments, and stronger collaboration among researchers, development partners, and local stakeholders. Addressing these challenges can foster resilient and sustainable rice production systems across SSA.

Climate change presents significant challenges to agricultural sustainability, particularly in integrated pest management (IPM). To address these challenges, we propose a holistic and interdisciplinary conceptual framework, climate-smart One-Health (CS-OH), which integrates ecological, environmental, and socio-economic factors, considering human, animal, soil, and water health within the environment. This paper introduces a roadmap for Climate-Smart OH IPM, combining One-Health (OH) principles with climate-smart agriculture to promote sustainable pest management amid climate change. The roadmap utilizes Systems Thinking (ST) & System Dynamics (SD) methodologies to comprehend complex interactions in climate-affected agricultural systems. Additionally, we provide a step-by-step implementation of Digital Twin (DT) IPM, employing virtual models and real-time data for dynamic pest management. The roadmap's significance lies in optimizing resource allocation, fostering biodiversity, mitigating climate impact, and preventing zoonotic diseases. Furthermore, promoting adaptive pest management practices enhances agricultural system resilience. Through adopting this transformative roadmap, stakeholders can actively contribute to sustainable pest management and foster a healthier world for all.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, a major pest in maize production, was assessed for its temporal and spatial distribution in maize fields during both the dry and rainy seasons of 2021 and 2022 in two agroecological regions in Benin (zone 6 and 8). Zone 6 (AEZ 6) “called zone of terre de barre” (Southern and Central Benin) consisted of ferralitic soils, a Sudano-Guinean climate (two rainy seasons alternating with two dry seasons) with a rainfall ranging between 800 and 1400 mm of rainfall per year; while zone 8 (AEZ 8) called “fisheries region” (Southern Benin” is characterized by coastal gleysols and arenosols with a Sudano-Guinean climate and a rainfall of 900–1400 mm of rainfall per year. In this study, 30 and 50 maize plants were randomly sampled using a “W” pattern during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Larval density, larval infestation rates, and damage severity were monitored over time. Taylor’s power law and the mean crowding aggregation index were applied to evaluate the dispersion patterns of the larvae. The results indicate a higher larval infestation rate and larval density in AEZ 8 compared to AEZ 6 during the dry season. In the rainy season, while the percentage of damaged plants was higher in AZE 8, no significant differences in larval density between the two zones were observed. The dispersion analysis revealed moderate aggregation (aggregation index = 1.25) with a basic colony of 2.08 larvae, i.e., an average initial cluster of 2.08 larvae observed per plant, reflecting the aggregation oviposition behavior of FAW. This study provides valuable monitoring data on the FAW’s distribution, offering insights for further research on population dynamics and developing predictive models for integrated pest management strategies.

In Africa, the current harmful maize pest is Spodoptera frugiperda. Its attack can be severe and cause total economic losses. Spodoptera eridania is another species of the same genus, detected a few months after S. frugiperda’s outbreaks in West and Central Africa. Though both species share a range of host plants, socioeconomic studies are yet to provide specific figures on the potential impacts of S. eridania. The high and inappropriate application of insecticides to control Spodoptera species has negative effects on the environmental elements' health. Semiochemical tools are increasingly exploited to design alternative pest management strategies. We hypothesize that host plants release components used by the pests and a shared parasitoid to locate the host. To verify that hypothesis, we conducted behavioral assays and GC-MS analyses to identify the potential chemical signals involved in the communications of the moths and their shared parasitoid C. icipe. The results showed that healthy and herbivory-induced maize and amaranth produced some chemical compounds including α-pinene, limonene, isopentyl acetate, (Z)-beta-farnesene, and methyl dodecanoate, which prospects their potential use in alternative pest management strategies for recruiting C. icipe to control these pests. Further work will focus on field validation to develop an alternative control strategy for the moths.