In the lack of a suitable control strategy, sorrel seeds are heavily damaged by S. niger during the storage. Better post-harvest management will make it possible to add value to this legume and make it available throughout the year. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the various post-harvest practices applied to sorrel seeds, from harvesting to storage, with a view to implementing an effective control strategy against S. niger. A survey was conducted among 600 producers in 12 regions, one hundred (100) sorrel seeds traders and one hundred (100) pesticide sellers in the cities of Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, and Pouytenga of Burkina Faso.
The results showed that eight percent (8%) of farmers and 56% of traders used chemical insecticides to preserve sorrel seeds. Phostoxin, an organophosphate insecticide, and Protect DP, an insecticide of the pyrethroid family, were respectively used by 87% and 13% of seed traders. Eighty-three percent (83%) of farmers and 76% of traders did not follow the prescribed doses.
The incorrect use of insecticides before and after use is a factor in environmental pollution and often results in their ineffectiveness against pests. This information is very useful for developing an integrated protection strategy for sorrel seeds.