Farmer's Perception Knowledge and Practices on Management of Tuta Absoluta Meyerick (Lepidotera Gelechiidae) in Tomato Growing Areas in Tanzania

Farmer’s perception and knowledge is an important component for sustainable action plan of the invasive tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera Gelechiidae). Tuta absoluta is an endemic pest in South America where it causes a significant crop loss in tomato growing areas. A survey was carried out in August 2015 whereby a total of 100 tomato growers were interviewed randomly to assess their knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding Tuta absoluta. Semi-structured questionnaire open and close ended was used to assess knowledge perceptions and practices about the invasive insect pest. The results revealed that (80%) of the farmers were aware of the Tuta absoluta as a major problem in tomato growing areas. Furthermore, of the total respondents showed (90%) of the growers demonstrated poor knowledge on the taxonomy of the pest and its economic impact in tomato production. A total of (70%) of the growers completed standard seven, own cellphone for exchange various information related to market and control of various field pest in their tomato fields including leaf miner. Direct loss occurs when Tuta absoluta lay eggs on tomato leaves, stems, fruit results into poor crop development. Indirect loss from infested tomato fruits is restrictions imposed by tomato fruits importers. Infested fruits are unsuitable for human consumption or sale. Farmers were more conversant with the economic impact of Tuta absoluta and their direct damage symptoms on tomato fruits. Recommended Tuta absoluta control strategies such as pheromone trapping for monitoring as well as suppression, chemical and biological control were not available or known to growers. A total of (80%) of the respondents applied chemicals that were not recommended for the control of Tuta absoluta and without considering their environmental and health risks. This calls for an urgent to train tomato growers to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) aim to improve their knowledge on Tuta absoluta management through use of Farmers’ Field Schools.

[1]  N. Desneux,et al.  Using organic-certified rather than synthetic pesticides may not be safer for biological control agents: selectivity and side effects of 14 pesticides on the predator Orius laevigatus. , 2012, Chemosphere.

[2]  M. Billah.  A Field Guide to the Management of Economically Important Tephritid Fruit Flies in Africa, edited by Ekesi, S. and Billah, M.K. In: Handling, packaging and shipment of Specimens , 2009 .

[3]  L. London,et al.  Pesticides use by smallholder farmers in vegetable production in Northern Tanzania. , 2007, Crop protection.

[4]  T. Mew,et al.  Ecological basis for low-toxicity integrated pest management (IPM) in rice and vegetables. , 2005 .

[5]  E. Adipala,et al.  A Review on Options for Management of Cowpea Pests: Experiences From Uganda , 2000 .

[6]  Nicolas Desneux,et al.  The invasive South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta, continues to spread in Afro-Eurasia and beyond: the new threat to tomato world production , 2011, Journal of Pest Science.

[7]  L. London,et al.  Smallholder vegetable farmers in Northern Tanzania: Pesticides use practices, perceptions, cost and health effects , 2007 .

[8]  R. Alzogaray,et al.  Insecticide resistance in Argentine populations of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) , 2005 .

[9]  P. Isubikalu,et al.  Influence of farmer production goals on cowpea pest management in eastern Uganda: implications for developing IPM programmes , 1999 .

[10]  J. Pretty,et al.  Pesticide use and the environment. , 2005 .