Insect pests of post-harvest storage in promising crop sectors in Burkina Faso: current concerns and prospects for solutions

Effective post-harvest management of crops could significantly contribute to food security by improving the availability and quality of food. In Burkina Faso, new concerns have emerged as a result of the growing importance accorded to sesame (Sesamum indica), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), "zamnè" (Acacia macrostachya), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). The insects identified as storage pests on these crops belong mainly to the order Coleoptera and families of Chrysomelidae, Curculionidae and Bostrichidae are the most representative. The studies carried out allowed a better knowledge of the pests as well as their economic importance. Losses due to insects, estimated up to 100% depending on the crop and protection methods used, are frequently observed after a few months of grain storage. Several alternatives to the use of chemicals including biological control, biopesticides and hermetic storage are being promoted. The triple bagging technology is one of the promising alternatives that can adapt to the post-harvest storage of a wide range of crops. Despite its proven effectiveness for several commodities, there is need to verify its efficiency against a diversity of insect pests with differing behaviour and evolution. The importance of the challenges is such that the strategies to be implemented must be conceived in a comprehensive, integrated approach, even at the regional scale.