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VOL. 7, ISSUE 11 (2022)
Farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and management of spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) associated with tomato in Botswana
Authors
Mitch M Legwaila, Motshwari Obopile, Bamphitlhi Tiroesele
Abstract
This paper reports on farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and management practices for spider mites (Tetranychus spp.) affecting tomatoes in Botswana. A survey of 120 tomato farmers was conducted using questionnaires during the period of March to June 2019. The study findings revealed that farmers producing tomatoes are considered the most important pest of tomatoes followed by tomato leaf miner (T. absoluta). The red form of the spider mite is more prevalent than the green form in tomato fields across Botswana. The farmers reported that spider mites affect the quality and quantity of tomatoes and increased the cost of production. Farmers typically apply synthetic pesticides to control invertebrate pests on their crops and their action is mainly premised on the presence of the pest or symptoms of damage on the crop. Unlike most pests, spider mites quickly develop resistance to formulations employed for their control. Farmers report reduced effectiveness of the current management tactics against spider mite infestations on their tomato crop and presume it could be due to resistance development. The current management practices can be improved by sensitizing and training farmers on the use of appropriate pesticides and spray regimes for spider mites. Tomato farmers need to know the importance of integrated pest management to control spider mites and other pests on vegetables whilst delaying resistance development and avoiding harmful effects of pesticides on the environment humans and non-target organisms.
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Pages:40-48
How to cite this article:
Mitch M Legwaila, Motshwari Obopile, Bamphitlhi Tiroesele "Farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and management of spider mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) associated with tomato in Botswana". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 7, Issue 11, 2022, Pages 40-48
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