Efficiency of botanical extracts on bee pests in the north-western of Benin

Abstract

Beekeeping is an alternative source of income for beekeepers and is included in the forestry management plan of Benin. The decrease in honey production was reported by beekeepers recently due to the proliferation of the honeybees Apis mellifera adansonii pests in beehives. The purpose of this study was to improve quantitatively and qualitatively the honey produced in Benin by developing bee pests control strategies. Trials were conducted in 3 townships (Tanguieta, Materi and Cobly) of Atacora district. The reduction of bee pests was investigated in four management systems: untreated beehive, beehive treated with insecticide Sumithion 50 EC (Fenitrothion l/ha), beehive treated with Hyptis suaveolens (Hyptis) leaf extract and beehive treated with Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract in a completely randomized block design (CRBD). The proportion of eliminated bee pests (imagos and larva) in the hives treated with neem and Hyptis leaf extracts was significantly higher (76 and 84%), respectively than that eliminated in the hives treated with Sumithion 50 EC (40%). The leaf extract of neem gave the best control on bee pests and appeared to be an attractive subtract for beehive colonization. In conclusion, neem leaf extract can be used by beekeepers to control honeybees pests.