INVENTAIRE DES METHODES DE CONSERVATION DES GRAINES DU NIEBE (VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP.) FACE A CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS FAB

The study carried out in the departments of Damagaram, Takaya and Mirriah focused on the comparative analysis of cowpea storage practices with a view to limiting losses due to the pest Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.). A comprehensive census of 346 producers distributed in eight villages made it possible to collect data subject to an analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% significance, followed by the Dunns test. The results reveal that insects and rodents are the main constraints of storage. The most common form of storage is seed, while pod or combined storage remains marginal, especially in Mirriah. Regarding containers, PICS hermetic cans and bags are mainly used for their effectiveness in reducing losses, unlike granaries and white plastic bags which record strong degradations. The quantities stored vary little between zones, but remain higher in Mirriah (353.58 kg) than in Damagaram Takaya (299.7 kg). In terms of processing, almost half of the producers in Damagaram Takaya do not use any method, while in Mirriah, the use of chemicals and neem is more widespread. Older producers prefer traditional techniques while young people adopt more modern practices. The frequency of stock inspection also differs: monthly checks dominate but are more spaced in Mirriah. Finally, the average storage duration is significantly longer in Mirriah (4.69 months) than in Damagaram Takaya (2.89 months).