Non-English title

• Published in: International journal of innovation and applied studies Vol. 18; no. 2; p. 539
• Main Authors: Onzo, C F, Adjatin, A, Assogba, F, Ndtoungou, H A, Djengue, H W, Azokpota, P, Dansi, A, Gbenou, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.10.2016
• Subjects: Acceptability; Biodegradability; Food packaging; Foods; Leaves; Level (quantity); Plants (organisms); Priorities
• ISSN: 2028-9324; 2028-9324

The use of biodegradable food packaging plants could provide an alternative to plastic packaging, particularly for some traditional foods. This work aims to investigate the species of plant leaves used as food packaging in the food crafts in West Africa through their domestication. Data on different species of plant leaves have been collected through a survey among 8 municipalities in Benin using tools and methods based on focus groups. The criteria to select priority species for domestication have been identified from the pair wise comparison of plant species identified in each locality, using standard method. A larval toxicity test was performed on the main species to ensure their safety for domestication. A total of 43 plant species belonging to 29 families have been identified. From them, about 20% was domesticated and 80% were grown naturally. A total of 21.5% of natural species are in the way to be domesticated from which ten (10) have been identified as priority, non-toxic with domestication level varying between 2 (Acceptable level) and 3 (High level). These species include Thalia geniculata, Siphonochilus aethiopicus, Sarcocephalus latifolius, Cyrtosperma senegalense, Daniellia oliveri, Agyrea nervosa (High level of domestication) and Ampelocissus leonensis, Isoberlinia doka, Sterculia tragacantha, Icacina trichantha (Acceptable level of domestication). Due to the benefits that provide these species, particularly their biodegradability, it should be wonderful to develop an intensive policy of domestication for their sustainable use.