A b s t r a c t A r t i c l e I n f oRice, is one of the most important food crops that significantly contributes to food security in Benin. To assess its varietal diversity within the country, 55 villages randomly selected throughout different agro-ecological zones were surveyed using participatory research tools and techniques. Subject to synonymy, 95 varieties including 2 African rice (Oryza glaberrima) and 93 Asian rice (Oryza sativa) were inventoried. The Shannon Diversity Index (H) is 5.62 and reflects an important varietal diversity. The number of varieties recorded varies from 2 to 9 per village (4 on average). In villages where varietal diversity is threatened, the rate of loss, subject to synonymy, varied from 25% to 75% with an average rate of 41% per village. Across villages, the varieties to be produced are selected on the basis of sixteen (16) preference criteria, of which the most important are high productivity (18.22% responses), market value (14.52% of responses), early maturity of varieties (10.48% of responses) and taste (6.92% of responses). Thirteen (13) production constraints were reported by the producers and most of them can be overcomed by the use of high-performing varieties. Participatory evaluation revealed very few effective varieties with regard to biotic and abiotic parameters. The development in Benin of a strong and concerted national rice breeding program is necessary and will help creating novel varieties that will boost national production, food security and income generation.

Background: Lippia multiflora Moldenk is a shrub that is present in Benin. It is used as nutritious food and its leaves and flowers are rich in mineral salts and especially vitamin A and C. Also, these leaves and flowers transformed into powders, are sold and used to flavor sauces and for other purposes. Aim/Objectives: Our work aims to provide consumers with information on the sanitary and hygienic quality of the powders from the leaves and flowers of Lippia multiflora in order to determine their shelf life. Methods: The study was carried out on three different powders, namely leaf-based powder; those from the flowers and those purchased from the sellers. Physico-chemical analyses and microbiological evaluation were made on these different powders at different dates for 18 months to see the growth of the microorganisms in these powders. Results: These analyses revealed that the means of the physico-chemical parameters in the leaf-based powders, the flowers and those sampled are respectively: water content (7.42%; 9.89% and 11.67%); ash content (15.83%; 10.77% and 6.52%); pH (7.25; 6.22 and 5.95) and titrable acidity (0.55%; 2.46% and 1.84%). Microbial loads in total flora are below the standard for 18 months in leaf and flower powders but are above the standard in powders sampled after 12 months of storage. The growth of yeasts and molds was observed during the first 6 months and their load is well below the standards from the 7th month until the end of storage. Coliform, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, faecal Streptococci and Clostridium sulfito-reducers loads are below the detection threshold throughout the shelf life. Conclusion: Therefore the powders based on the leaves and flowers can be kept for a period of eighteen months without risk to the consumer. But those sampled can be kept for up to 12 months.

Article InfoLippia multiflora is one of the widely known and used aromatic and medicinal leafy vegetable in central Benin. Because very little research is done on this almost wild species, it is classified among the so called neglected and underutilised species of Benin. To fill the gap of scientific knowledge on this species, an ethnobotanical survey has been conducted in 38 villages randomly selected in central Benin using participatory research appraisal. The study revealed that Lippia multiflora is located in central Benin. Its vernacular names vary across ethnic groups. It is called aklala, kanwun, tchagara, kuinwounkuin and yinyan with the Mahi, Idasha, Ifè, Tchabè and Fon ethnic groups respectively. In Benin the domestication of Lippia multiflora has started and the species was found at level 1 of the plant domestication process in 55.55% of villages surveyed. The leaves (60% of respondent), flowers (25% of respondents), roots (10% of respondents) and stems (5% of respondents) of the plant are used for various medicinal purposes. Lippia multiflora is mostly (76.92% of interviewees) consumed as leafy vegetable. Its consumption frequency and method vary throughout ethnic areas. Lippia multiflora was found to have a lot of medicinal value and is therefore a good nutraceutical.

A b s t r a c t A r t i c l e I n f oLippia multiflora Moldenke, is a minor aromatic leafy vegetable mainly consumed in central Benin that belong to the country's neglected and underutilised species (NUS). Extracts of its leaves and flowers collected from six different zones (Bantè, Dassa-Zoumè, Djidja, Glazoué, Savalou and Savè) were assessed for phytochemical composition and tested for cytotoxicity using brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of almost the same phytochemical groups (cathetic and gallic tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, leucoanthocyanes, triterpenoids, mucilage, coumarins and the reducing compounds) in both leaves and flowers from all sites with variable abundances. Alkaloids were found only in leaves while steroids, quinone derivatives and combined anthracene C-heterosides were identified uniquely in flowers. The nature and the functions of the compounds found justify the perceived medicinal values of the species. Extracts from both leaves and flowers showed positive action on shrimp larvae but with CL 50 of (13.28±1.52 mg/ml for leaves; 0.46±0.05 mg/ml for flowers) superior to 0.1mg/ml, hence indicating the non-toxicity of Lippia multiflora.