Farmer’s Knowledge on Thaumatotibia Leucotreta (Meyrick) an Economic Pest of Avocado Production in Tanzania

Abstract

Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) is a Lepidopteran pest that feeds on more than 70 plant species, both wild and cultivated. A study was carried out in Tanzania to assess farmer’s knowledge regarding the invasion of pests in avocado fruit production in Tanzania. The study interviewed 588 small-scale avocado farmers to gather their knowledge on the presence of the pest, the extent of infestation on fruits, and the impact on fruit production and marketing. A total of 45 orchards were inspected to determine the infestation level of T. leucotreta in 225 randomly selected avocado trees. The findings revealed that 56.1% (n = 330) of the farmers had no idea about any insect pests infesting avocado fruits, while 77.6% (n = 456) of farmers were unaware of T. leucotreta, presence; however, only 22.4% (n = 132) confirmed to have seen damage symptoms caused by the pest on avocado fruits. It was further observed that 51.6% (n = 1158) of the 2250 sampled fruits exhibited T. leucotreta damaging signs (white exudes or frass on fruit surface), thereby confirming the presence of T. leucotreta in farmers’ fields. Furthermore, farmers reported that diseases, poor marketing environment and premature fruit dropping were the main challenges faced in avocado production. These findings highlight farmer’s limited knowledge on T. leucotreta right from its presence, damage level to the potential impact on avocado production in Tanzania. Hence, the study recommends the need to provide such knowledge to farmers and propose management strategies through collaborative research with farmers for increased production.