Inventory and Descriptive Assessment of Plant-Based Biopesticides Used in the Sudanian Zone of Burkina Faso

Abstract

Background: Biopesticides offer a promising pathway toward more sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural practices. Aims:This study aimed to inventory the diversity of biopesticides used by organic farmers in the Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso. Study Design / Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out from February to July 2025 across the Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso, specifically in Ouagadougou and Koubri in the North Sudanian zone, and Léo in the South Sudanian zone. Methodology: A survey was conducted with 84 producers certified under the Participatory Guarantee System, which complies with the standards of biological agriculture. The questionnaire focused detailed information on the types of biopesticides applied, their composition, modes of use, target pests and crops, and the botanical species and plant parts used in their preparation. Chi-square tests were performed to assess whether statistically significant differences existed among the citation frequencies of the biopesticides and the plant species used. Results: A total of 21 biopesticide formulations were identified, including Kõgle-zanga, Apitchi, Ash broth, Toukgili, Solnat neem, Fertineem, Hortineem, Vitaplant, Pissezanga, and Song-Koaadba. Kõgle-zanga was the most frequently cited (71.42%), followed by Apitchi (61.90%) and Ash broth (51.19%), whereas Vitaplant was the least cited (5.95%). Nineteen (19) plant species were reported as ingredients in these formulations. Azadirachta indica was the most widely used species (85.71%; P = 0.006), followed by Capsicum annuum (52.38%), Allium sativum (35.71%), Allium cepa (17.85%), and Zingiber officinale (14.28%). Target pests include caterpillars, whiteflies, termites, mites, aphids, scale insects, thrips, grasshoppers, ladybugs and arachnids. Conclusion: The results highlight the diversity and importance of plant-based biopesticides in organic farming systems of the Sudanian zone and that producers are increasingly interested in biopesticides. They also underscore the potential of botanical extracts as effective alternatives for managing insect pests and diseases while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides.