The origin of African rice, Oryza glaberrima Steud and Asian rice, O. saliva L., in West Africa is briefly reviewed. Major pests of rice in this region have been listed and the present status of crop protection with reference to rice is discussed. Major constraints to utilization of varietal resistance as a component in crop protection are mainly research-related. The need for manpower development, provision of adequate facilities, standardization of techniques as well as greater emphasis on studies on varietal resistance are highlighted.
