Economic threshold for the management of Plutella xylostella with granulovirus in cauliflower ecosystem

Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

International Journal of Agricultural Extension

Publication Date

1-1-2020

Abstract

This study was aimed at understanding farmer’s perceptions about termite management in eastern Uganda. The study covered 84 villages located in seven districts of eastern Uganda involving 420 respondents. In addition to the individual interviews, the perception of push-pull technology adopters was determined from four districts through a focus group discussion. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed using STATA (version 13). Respondents were diverse in terms of age, gender, level of education and marital status. In general, 95% of the respondents stated that termites can cause food insecurity and poverty. The level of infestation varied between districts, respondents from Bukedea and Iganga stated that the infestation of maize due to stemborer is between 70% and 80% while respondents from Tororo and Pallisa stated that the infestation could reach upto 50%. The prevalence of termites and damage potential varies across districts and the type of crop and growth stage. Some are vulnerable at germination, some at vegetative and some at maturity stages. Averaged over three districts, farmers claimed that maize is more vulnerable to termite attack causing about 40% yield loss followed by beans, soybeans, and sorghum. Push-pull technology adopters stated that green leaf desmodium intercropped with maize was vulnerable to termite attack. Although pesticide application can be an effective option, they claimed it is either expensive or not a lasting solution.

Keywords

Bugiri, Bukedea, Busia, Iganga, Indigenous technical knowledge, Mbale, Pallisa, Termites, Tororo

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