Bacterial wilt and dissemination factors in tomato production areas of Benin, West Africa

Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is a major constraint for tomato production in Benin. Through this research, the distribution and incidence of bacterial wilt and its dissemination factors in tomato fields were assessed. Identification of isolates were based on morphological characterization of colonies, hypersensitivity, and pathogenicity tests. Dissemination factors were analysed through a binomial logit model. Bacterial wilt was widespread in all Benin's eight Agro-Ecological Zones (AEZs), and mostly severe in AEZs dominated by ferralitic soils where its highest incidence was up to 100%. Other variables such as post-harvest crop residues plowed into soils, rotation practices, use of mineral fertilizer, watering practices, use of the same tools in many fields, positively influenced the probability of bacterial wilt infection in tomato fields. Dissemination of R. solanacearum is more favorited by women agricultural practices than men. Farmer's awareness on good agricultural practices could help to reduce the pressure of the disease.