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Zea mays L. is a widespread cultivated cereal. In Benin, this crop is an important food source and highly contributes to food security. Thought it is importance in Beninese food habits, there are lack of scientific information about the traditional knowledge and uses of corn in Benin. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate on local corn varieties knowledge and producers endogenous practices. To achieve this objective, a total of 233 producers from four ethnic groups were randomly selected and surveyed in 92 villages in Benin. During this investigation, information on maize varieties were collected from selected producers using a participatory research approach through a semi-structured questionnaire kind. Also, the maize samples were collected from the investigated producers. Our results show that 19 different local names were given to both local cultivars and improved varieties of corn cultivated in Benin. Though the white color is the major color, three other colors (yellow, red and multicolor) were recorded during our field investigations. The corns are mainly produced for local consumption, trade and a small proportion for traditional medicine. Farmer reveals that old farming techniques, conservation of harvest, parasites and drought-related problems are essentially the major constraints to maize production. The traditional preservation methods of corn are conservation as cobs and/or as grains (with or without chemical preservatives) followed by regular daylight drying. The producers developed some selection methods to maintain their local cultivars. This information will help to better promote maize genetic resources management and utilization in Benin.

Keywords: Endogenous knowledge, producers, Zea mays, farming techniques, conservation, Benin.

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Citation: Hafiz SA, Djima A, Adolphe A, Chabi Y, Haziz S, Wilfrid P, Lamine B (2015). Biodiversity of local varieties of corn cultivation among farmers in Benin. J. Agric. Crop Res. 3(6): 85-99.

Abbreviations: CFA, Correspondence factorial analysis; Ali, Alibori; Ata, Atacora; Atl, Atlantique; Bor, Borgou; Col, Colline; Cou, Couffo; Don, Donga; Mo, Mono; Oué, Ouémé; Pla, Plateau; Zou, Zou.