Résumé
Introduction. Vegetable crops play a leading role in human nutrition and contribute significantly to the incomes of families in West Africa. However, their production is hampered by pressure from pests, which limits their productivity.
Literature. This review, based on scientific publications, aims to evaluate the potential of pesticidal plants as an alternative to the use of synthetic pesticides to control vegetable crop pests in West Africa. It shows that the primary current method used to control these pests is mainly based on synthetic pesticides. However, in view of their harmful effects on humans and the environment, in addition to the range of resistant pest populations, the search for alternative approaches is needed. Pesticidal plants are a promising alternative in the West African context. Indeed, various species of pesticidal plant can be used as plant extracts or in association with other crops in pest management. These plants are presented in this review article.
Conclusions. Pesticidal plants can be a promising alternative for the pest management of vegetable crops. However, most of these pesticidal plants are uncultivated. Exploring the biocidal capacities of these interesting plants, such as the genus Ocimum, known for its therapeutic, medicinal and food uses, could be of interest for farmers. However, populations need to be made informed of the long-term benefits of products treated with pesticidal plant extract, in order to facilitate their use.