Factors driving the development of invasive species in agricultural systems in Benin and implications for sustainable management

Abstract

The periodic outbreak of invasive plants is one of the problems the West African agroecosystems, especially Beninese, are faced. The objective of this review is to analyze the approaches and the results of studies obtained on several models of invasive plants in Benin with an emphasis on the factors that favor their establishment in agricultural environments. From the evaluation of the bioecological adaptation potential of invasive plants, it resulted that there are intrinsic and extrinsic factors of distribution of invasive exotic species. The intrinsic factors are linked to the genetic and biological potential of plants while these extrinsic ones relate to anthropogenic actions and environmental conditions. The biology of invasive species, the anthropogenic actions and climate are the key factors of success in biological invasions. Improvement in agricultural systems and prediction models of infestation linked to climate change can, among other things, help limit resurgence’s impacts.

Key words: Exotic invasive species, weed, agriculture, climate, Benin